Long Islanders show support for people and animals affected by Australian wildfires

A Setauket 11-year-old is lending a hand to the kangaroos of Australia devastated by the wildfires.

Over a sewing machine, Lily Rosengard is making “joey pouches,” which acts as the mother kangaroo’s pouch and helps baby kangaroos grow.

In less than one week, Rosengard made about 40 pouches, with each pouch taking about 25 minutes to make. Lily received supplies, such as fabric, to make the pouches from her community and Girl Scouts troop. She told News 12 that her community has also raised $3,000 - more than her $1,000 goal.

Lily is not the only Long Islander working to help those affected by the wildfires. Brendan Dagan, the owner of elitefeats, is organizing a 5K run and walk, called Land Down Under 5K, with other businesses to support the cause.

"When tragedy hits globally, that we as a community here on Long Island respond and show our support for it,” Dagan said.

Registration for the walk opened on Friday, raising $12,000 by Monday. The goal is to raise $40,000. The event will take place in Cedar Creek Park in Wantagh on Jan. 25.