Pins for Pauly is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 in memory of Paul Pavlou, who died of leukemia at age 15. It's named for Paul's love of bowling. The foundation raises money for families affected by leukemia, to help offset costs of treatments and bills not covered by insurance. Its flagship event is the annual Bowl-a-Thon, where bowlers raise money during their games, as each pin counts for a certain amount of money pledged by player sponsors. Paul's parents Andreas and Georgia run the foundation, which operates out of the offices of the St. Demetrius Greek Orthodox Church on Kenny Avenue. Paul was an altar boy at the church.
There is a group home for the mentally challenged. It also serves as a day rehabilitation center. Volunteers are welcome and may contact AHRC Nassau through the Web site. It aims to allow mentally handicapped children and adults become more independent.
This is the outreach center for the Sacred Heart Church. Food for the needy may be dropped off at the office weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., excepting holy days. All types of food—canned, frozen, non-perishable, are accepted at the outreach center.
The Merrick Chamber of Commerce is the front door to the Merrick community providing information to prospective homeowners and businesses alike.
The Chamber celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2009.
The Chamber organizes numerous events throughout the year, including Santa's Visit, Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting, Kids Fest, Merrick Festival, and the Halloween Parade. The current president is Randy Shotland.
This American Legion post based on Merrick Road is a veterans organization for those who have served during a wartime period. Members meet on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:45 p.m.
In 1946, the American Legion Merrick Post 1282 was moved from North Merrick to its present location of 160 Merrick Road. The American Legion Post building was cut in half, transported to this new location and then joined together again.
Although physically divided during the move, the Post 1282 building and organization has been a united fixture in the Merrick community and surrounding communities in Nassau County. Under the tutor ledge of past Commanders, Robert C. Wieboldt, Robert T. Riordan (i.e. a Past County Commander), Jack Murphy, Vincent J. Gabriele, Philip L. Williams and up to Present Commander, Bernard H. Hoffman, this non-profit organization has tried to make the community aware of the United States of America's veterans' concerns and needs.
The Preamble to the Constitution of The American Legion gives the general mission statement of the post and other American Legion posts in the community and nation. What the American Legion Merrick Post 1282 tries to accomplish is to raise the awareness of veteran concerns and problems encountered in the community and to support our service men and woman who are serving in our Armed Forces.
The post participates in community activities, while making the community aware of its existence in the community. The Post has more than 168 members and has its own internal meetings and functions. In addition, Merrick Post 1282 has an Auxiliary chapter, whose mission is to support the American Legion and the community it serves.