Arnold is the District Trainer and former District Governor of Rotary District 7260. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he volunteered for General Needs, where he would pick up meals every Friday from Ronkonkoma and deliver them to two different veteran shelters in Bayshore. When asked why he chose to volunteer for General Needs, he said, “I have been involved with Lonnie and Sue when they first came into Rotary around six years ago. After watching them go to different homeless shelters and supply veterans with clothing and food, I realized that General Needs was something I was interested in getting involved with.”
Arnold’s most special experience with General Needs was with his daughter. His daughter worked for the Salvation Army in Riverhead, and she decided to drive cross-country from Long Island to help out a particular family, but she needed some help of her own. She called Arnold and then Arnold called Lonnie and Sue about helping that one family. Within 48 hours, they all equipped the family’s entire apartment with new furniture and supplies. They brought beds, sheets, microwaves and other items for the mother and her two kids. Arnold said that it was an amazing experience to be a part of.