When Misericordia alumni Danny McKeefrey returned to his New York home after Hurricane Sandy made landfall, he found it in ashes.
McKeefrey’s home was consumed by the fires that spread through Breezy Point, New York. The 2007 graduate serves as a Nnew York City police officer and volunteer firefighter.
At MU, McKeefrey was an active lacrosse player. Coach Jim Ricardo said he found out about McKeefrey’s loss through a former alumni. Ricardo said he learned “that Danny’s entire family was impacted from the storm.” The alumni later posted a video from CBS news interview with MacKeefrey.
Coach Ricardo couldn’t resist helping his former player and so he and current lacrosse players organized a food and clothing collection drive to help McKeefrey and his family.
Senior J.R. Lauri and his teammates were ready to help. Lauri said. “We always look to help our family present and past.”
The benefit happened quickly and the results were overwhelming: the effort netted enough clothes, food and cleaning supplies to “fill a college van,” Ricardo said.
Ricardo, Lauri and the rest of the lacrosse team manned tables in the Banks Student Center the Thursday and Friday immediately following the storm. “We worked a table from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. both Thursday and Friday,”and players worked hour-long shifts, Riccardo said.
“The seniors including myself decided to work the first day and do what we can on the short notice. Then we asked that the younger players to work the next day and put in the work as well for the good cause,” Lauri said.
Lauri said the care of the university community made the benefit happen. “In just two days, we were able to raise more than three times as much as I honestly thought we would.”
Lauri helped transport the goods to Ricardo’s home, who then delivered them directly to McKeefrey.
Ricardo said McKeefrey was overcome with emotion. “He thanked the guys and the entire campus for their quick help,” Ricardo said.
Coach Ricardo said he is touched by the effort his team made to help one of their own. “I am most proud of my lacrosse team members and their selfless act to help an alum in a time of drastic need, even when some of their own homes were facing some challenges.”
“The whole school came together and helped by donating to such a good cause. It also though was very beneficial to see our team come together in a time of need for our family and also donate a bunch ourselves to the cause,” Lauri added.
Donations are still welcome and they can be delivered to Ricardo and the Campus Ministry office.