By Matthew Chayes
Newsday

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — Dozens of firehouses across Nassau County are rallying to raise money to help make the lives of wounded, recuperating troops a bit easier.

More than 35 firehouses in the county's villages, hamlets and municipalities are raising money with T-shirt sales and events like spaghetti dinners.

The departments are also asking Islanders fans to bring everyday necessities to games.

Items needed include phone cards, ankle socks, sweatshirts, workout gloves, toiletries and DVDs, which will be collected and sent to the troops.

Nassau's Operation Wounded Warrior has an ambitious goal: to raise $150,000 through donations and events in the county, said Joseph O'Grady, an ex-chief of the Floral Park Fire Department and chairman of the group. So far, the group has raised about $6,000 this year, he said. Last year's $70,000 raised helped buy veterans portable MP3 music players.

O'Grady said firefighters feel a special connection to soldiers. "We're kind of like a band of brothers," he said.

The Locust Valley firehouse will hold its spaghetti dinner Oct. 11 from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. For reservations, call 516-676-5104.

So far, the department has sold 250 tickets, said Paul Long, one of the firefighters organizing the dinner, which is being prepared by a volunteer who has worked at the Tavern on the Green restaurant.

The money will help buy everyday necessities for troops and physical therapy equipment for a recuperation center being built at Camp Lejeune, the big Marine base in North Carolina.

Copyright 2008 Newsday, Inc.