Helping Makes U Happy searches for new home

Helping Makes U Happy founder Keith Caputo has dedicated his life to helping others and spreading happiness throughout his community and beyond. However, recently, when the 44-year-old stepped into the space the organization called home for the last seven years, it brought him to tears.

Standing by his side was his mother and co-founder, Cassy Caputo, who took to social media to share a video of the emptiness of the former space, which was used as their hub for helping countless others for years in their community. The video also depicted the heartbreak of her son, Keith, asking for support as they continue their search to find a new working space.

While the decision for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity to leave the Center Moriches location was not an easy one, Cassy said it became an “unhealthy environment,” leaving her and Keith with the only option but to find a new space.

Currently, the entire contents of supplies and items kept from the move are in storage until a new location comes along. Keith and Cassy are hoping the right opportunity comes along as soon as possible.

Ideally, they said they are looking for a workspace with a minimum of 1,500 square feet, a small reception space, plenty of room for table setups, and storage, anywhere between Moriches and Eastport. 

Also, to properly function, a prospective space needs either a ramp or street-level entrance for loading and unloading as Keith and Cassy, who do much of the heavy lifting themselves, face their own challenging physical needs.

“Stairs are a problem; we need something we can walk straight into.  We carry a lot of stuff—food, clothes, Halloween costumes,” Cassy explained.

And, although it is not a requirement, it has been a dream of Keith’s to have yard space to one day build a community garden.

But most of all, the location of the prospective new space is a top factor in the decision-making process. Moriches to Eastport is not just the community Keith and Cassy live and work in, but also a big consideration for the parents who bring their kids back and forth from schools in between sports, play practices, and clubs to drop and pick-up for their offered community services.

With rental costs being at an all-time high across Long Island, Keith and Cassy said they have been exploring every option, all the way to the possibility of buying a small plot of land and building a kit home.

However, they are hopeful the right place is out there. And Cassy said it is a matter of getting the word out to the right people.

“We just need to get on the right path,” added Keith.

Even though there is an urgency to find the perfect new home for Helping Makes U Happy, it has not slowed Keith down from getting out in the community and doing what he does best: bringing smiles to others, hosting raffles, and collecting for those in need.

Recently, Helping Makes U Happy held their annual Super Bowl Party Raffle/Basket auction at the Triangle Pub in Eastport, with over 70 baskets, and this year it was to support funds for their new building plan. 

In years past, Cassy said the Super Bowl raffle event is usually held to raise money for their annual scholarship fund, but last year they worked so hard they already secured the scholarship for this year, so they were grateful to be able to hold this year’s event to support rebuilding.

Over the past decade, Helping Makes U Happy has raised thousands of dollars and collected thousands of donations. And though their time now is uncertain, with their entire organization being packed up in a storage unit, Keith is keeping a shining eye on all his goals for the year ahead.

In addition to helping as many people as he can in the community, Keith said, his top three goals for the new year are to work on a new website, reactivate their “Cooking with the Cops” program, and do more to honor his local law enforcement and first responder heroes.

Another particular hope for Keith’s and the future of Helping Makes U Happy, he said, is to host an event for people to come together including volunteers, families, law enforcement and first responders for a day to say thank you and learn about those who serve and protect in their community.

“I want to inspire more ‘good guys’ to come up and serve and protect our freedom in America to help us where we need,” he said.

With the clock ticking and so many big plans lined up, Keith and Cassy said so many businesses are ready to do more, but they just need the space.

“What we do is simply because we want to make people happy,” Cassy said as she looked over at Keith and smiled with a wink.

For any information or recommendations regarding prospective spaces available, please email helpingmakesuhappy@gmail.com.  To learn more about the organization visit: helpingmakesuhappy.org and to keep up to date with all things Helping Makes U Happy follow them on social outlets @helpingmakesuhappy.