Donating a Vehicle to Autism Speaks

Greg Gerkens served as the assistant principal for Eastern Suffolk BOCES from 2013 to 2016. Prior to this position, he worked as a special education science teacher for the Wyandanch Union Free School District in Wyandanch, New York. In addition to his work in education, Greg Gerkens has participated in activities for Autism Speaks, an organization dedicated to providing information and help to individuals and families dealing with autism spectrum disorder. 

As a nonprofit organization, Autism Speaks relies heavily on donations from supporters. One substantial way you can help is by donating a vehicle to the organization. Autism Speaks accepts multiple types of vehicles, including cars and trucks, boats, motorcycles, and trailers. 

Prospective donors can visit the organization’s website and fill out a quick form regarding themselves and the vehicle they would like to donate. Alternately, donors can call Autism Speaks to set up the donation by phone. Once an appointment is set, Autism Speaks will pick up and tow your vehicle for free, providing you with a donation receipt. Once the organization sells your vehicle, they will mail you a tax receipt so you can write the donation off as a deduction come tax season.

To learn more about Autism Speaks and their vehicle donation program, visit autismspeaks.org.

Choosing the Right Fishing Rod

For more than 10 years, Greg Gerkens has lead a successful career in the field of education. He holds a master of science in literacy education from Long Island University, along with numerous certifications related to education and school leadership. He most recently served as an assistant principal at an Eastern Suffolk BOCES high school program. In his free time, Greg Gerkens enjoys fishing.

Although it may seem complicated, finding the perfect fishing rod does not have to be difficult. When searching for the perfect rod, it is often best to focus on action and power first. Action refers to how much a rod bends when pressure is put on the tip. Fast-action rods only bend along the top one-third, while slow action rods start bending within the bottom third. The action of a rod determines its potential casting distance and can affect the action of different types of artificial lures.

In terms of power, rods are generally divided into categories ranging from heavy to ultra-light. A rod’s power is determined by its stiffness, and should be chosen based on the size of line you plan on using, the fish species you are hoping to catch, and the type of water you’re fishing in. Heavy rods are best suited for heavier lines and large species such as tuna and salmon. Meanwhile, light rods work best with light lines. They are ideal for fishing for bluegill, crappie, and other small fish.

Beyond action and power, you should take into consideration the material of the rod. Most fishing rods are made of either graphite or fiberglass. As graphite rods tend to be stiffer, fiberglass rods are often better for medium to slow-action fishing.

Taking the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Greg Gerkens, a special education and science teacher in Wyandanch, New York, spent more than three years as an assistant principal at Eastern Suffolk High School in Centereach. Beyond his educational and administrative duties, Greg Gerkens engages in philanthropic activities such as taking the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.

There are a variety of ways for people to support the Special Olympics. At www.specialolympics.org, donors can make direct contributions to the organization and learn about volunteering and raising awareness of the Special Olympics. Donations can be made in honor of a family member or loved one and can be set to recur every month. The Special Olympics also sponsors a number of annual events to raise money and awareness, including the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics.

In Massachusetts, the annual Polar Plunge is the Special Olympics’ single most successful fundraising event of the year. As the name implies, brave Special Olympics supporters plunge into cold waters during the winter months and are rewarded by sponsors honoring pledges and contributing to Special Olympics. Polar Plunge events often take place on or around New Year’s Day. 

A number of Special Olympics chapters throughout the nation take part in the Polar Plunge campaign, including Special Olympics New York. Polar Plunge New York participants must contribute at least $100 to Special Olympics in order to participate. Donors can engage as individuals or as a Polar Plunge team. If you are inclined to take the plunge, learn everything you need to know by visiting www.polarplungeny.org.