Glenn Fitze is a teacher at Commack High School in Commack, New York. He started a work-based learning program for special needs students around 20 years ago, where he has collaborated with over a dozen organizations around his community to help his students gain valuable volunteering experience and work-based skills. He discussed the program with Lonnie four years ago, and has since been working with General Needs. Working with General Needs hits close to his heart because his father was a World War II veteran, which allows him to relate to the veterans. “We owe our veterans a lot. They serve us. Seeing them homeless and struggling to get back on their feet actually makes me sad… What General Needs is doing is incredible. The time and effort that everyone puts in is very inspiring. General Needs gives these vets something new and helps them get back on their feet again. I cannot think of a better cause.”
Glenn’s favorite memory with General Needs was spending time and sharing stories with the vets at one of the distribution events. For over two hours, he helped hand out supplies and clothes to the veterans and had dinner with them. “Sharing stories back and forth was very fun and interesting. It brought out a lot of smiles and laughter. I enjoyed every second of it.”