March 29, 2024

'Opportunity Knocks': Volunteering to Help People

Posted

More and more Townies have stepped to the plate to help their fellow citizens in need. The Reporter has chronicled John Carnevale, Kevin Robinson (KRob), Carl Sweeney (Faith & Hope Charities) and others for their unselfish acts of charity. There is also East Providence teacher and coach Michael Solitro and his "Opportunity Knocks" non-profit charity. Solitro and Joseph DeRita, along with others have newly formed this charity to help those like three year old Maddox Brown. "This handsome three year old, and his beautiful family have lost everything due to a recent fire in their Fall River home. We are asking all of you to take this OpportUNITY to help this young boy and his family," asked Solitro through Opportunity Knocks. It was the first official "mission" of the group and it was a huge success.

The Solitro effort intended to surprise the Brown family with clothes and toys for little Maddox. On August 16th, the gifts were delivered to Maddox Brown and his family. It was an overwhelming joy to deliver the Brown family a little piece of generosity as they begin to put their lives back together. This was such a very special first mission for OpportUNITY Knocks and we couldn't have done it without the help of everyone out there," said a very happy and emotional Mike Solitro. One of Solitro's more poignant moments came when he asked his own young daughter to give up one of her own toys for Maddox. "After (playfully) trying three times to persuade me to take her brother's toys, she finally reached in her toy box and gave up her Elmo doll that she has had since she was one. It was an emotional moment for me," said Solitro.

In speaking to the volunteers Solitro expressed thanks for their efforts. "You took the OpportUNITY to change this little boy's life, and Joe and I thank you for allowing us to be a part of it. Also thanks to everyone on the team, including Andre Vafiadis and Millenium Landscaping for bringing such positive and enthusiastic energy." Townie Pride seems to grow every day in East Providence. Opportunity Knocks has a Facebook page for people to follow their efforts.

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here

Share!
Truly local news delivered to every home in town