In 2002, Dorothy Strynkowski began volunteering at the Mary Brennan INN. For the last 24 years, she has served guests in every role available; cooking, dishwasher, boutique, donations, take-out window, and much more. Today, Dorothy holds the title as The INN’s longest-running volunteer who still remains active. You can see Dorothy most Mondays on the serving line, or sorting donations.
2002 was also the year her granddaughter Kristina was born. Kristina has grown up knowing that her grandma Dorothy is a selfless woman who loves to help her fellow neighbors in need. “My grandma Dorothy is the main influence and inspiration behind giving back to the community,” she says. “She has also been so giving with her time, efforts and monetary donations, it would be impossible not to be inspired by her! I aspire to be as giving and as active when I am her age.”
Last summer, Kristina received her 200 hour yoga teacher training certification over the summer and hosted community yoga classes at Hot Pilates Secret in Wantagh. As a newly certified yoga instructor, the classes were free to students, but Kristina decided to ask all participants to make a donation to The INN, the place to which she has watched her dedicated grandmother give her time and energy for her entire life. Kristina raised about $1,000 in donations, and Dorothy and Kristina’s mom Kristin, proudly accompanied Kristina to The INN’s main office, where she presented us with her donation check from her generous students.
Since Thanksgiving 2025, Kristina has been giving her time as a regular volunteer at the Mary Brennan INN, side by side with her Grandma Dorothy every Monday from 2-4pm at the takeout window. She says it is the highlight of her week. “Spending time with my grandmother and giving back to the community all in one go — it doesn’t get better than that!”
Thank you for your service, Dorothy and Kristina!
L to R: Mom Kristin, Grandma Dorothy, Kristina, and The INN’s COO, Cynthia Sucich
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