Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

‘I want to make sure that the people who need help get it.’

POLO LAGRANDIER III, BAY SHORE

“I was born in Bay Shore, one of three, and was raised by two wonderful parents. My father was a New York City firefighter. Unfortunately, he was forced to retire right after 9/11 because he got hurt while responding, and he lost a lot of friends. That took a toll on my family. He’s my inspiration for the stuff I do now. I’ve seen him help so many people.

“My mother’s the same way. They’re great people, very loving, very caring, very giving. We didn’t have a lot to give when I was growing up, but they gave what they could. My father is a hero in my eyes; I want to make him proud.

It hits my soul. I started the organization with three guys in my backyard and I just love watching it grow.

“I started Sons of Liberty LI as a nonprofit charitable organization a few years ago. We do a lot of charitable events for the United Veterans Beacon House, a shelter that takes in homeless veterans and gives them a place to stay. We’ve donated over 1,000 turkeys in the last few years, really anything they need, like blankets, towels. We also work with the American Veterans Association. I do a ton of work for Toys for Tots, as well as cancer hospitals. All of this stuff hits my heart. I want to make sure that the people who need help get it.

“We have about 20 members, plus our wives and families are heavily involved. We have a huge support base in our community. We have a clubhouse, and we have fundraisers. People donate their time. We get live bands, DJs. People donate baskets to raffle off. People come and dance and have a good time; it’s very family oriented. They bring things to donate, and they get to enjoy themselves; they love the atmosphere.

“It hits my soul. I started the organization with three guys in my backyard and I just love watching it grow. My son, who’s only 8 years old, gets an opportunity to see how it feels to be a part of loving an organization and to see my satisfaction in helping people who really need it.

“It goes back to when I was a kid and I used to travel to the city with my father, just watching the way he interacted with the homeless people. He would always give what he could. I really respected that. I’m not wealthy, I’m comfortable — I’m a maintenance supervisor for the Brentwood School District. But I feel like if you can give back, you live a good life.”

Interviewed by Barbara Schuler

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Faces of Long Island is produced by Newsday Consumer Marketing. This content does not involve the reporting and editing staff of Newsday’s Editorial Department.