SENATOR FUSCHILLO, ASSEMBLYMAN McDONOUGH & LONG ISLAND CARES KICK OFF FOOD DRIVE TO BENEFIT VETERANS IN NEED

Photo caption: Senator Fuschillo (second right), Assemblyman McDonough (second left), and Long Island Cares’ Executive Director Paule Pachter (third left) are joined by (left to right) Wantagh American Legion Commander Jack Bergersen, Wantagh American Legion members Gary Siminowitz, Joe Stein, and Will Sterling, and Nassau County American Legion Commander Frank Colon in kicking off a food drive to benefit veterans in need.

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) and Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R-North Merrick) today announced that they will be teaming up with Long Island Cares: The Harry Chapin Food Bank to help provide assistance to veterans in need as part of Hunger Action Month.

Senator Fuschillo and Assemblyman McDonough, joined by a number of local veterans, kicked off a food drive to help benefit Long Island Cares’ program which provides support for veterans & active duty military personnel and their families. Residents can donate any of the following items as part of the drive:

* non-perishable food

* personal care products (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, etc.)

* household supplies

* paper products

* school supplies

* pet food

Donations can be dropped off at Senator Fuschillo’s office, located at 5550 Merrick Road in Massapequa anytime between now and October 4^th. Senator Fuschillo will also be having collection boxes at his booth at the Merrick Street Fair on September 25 and 26^th and the Bellmore Street Fair on October 2 and 3^rd.

“No one who put their lives on the line and made sacrifices for our country should have to worry about not being able to feed their families. This program provides an opportunity to serve the heroes who served our country. I’m pleased to partner with Long Island Cares on this program,” said Senator Fuschillo.

“We owe it to our veterans to make sure they can put food on their tables. I am pleased to help Long Island Cares provide this invaluable service to those who served our country,” said Assemblyman McDonough.

"Long Island Cares has been working closely with our returning veterans and their families for several months by reaching out with our Mobile Pantry and Mobile Outreach units. No veteran or their families should have to worry about not having access to nutritious food. We welcome the opportunity to partner with Senator Fuschillo and our veteran organizations to collect donations that will be directed towards our special veterans outreach program," said Paule Pachter, Executive Director, Long Island Cares, Inc.

Residents who would like more information about participating in the program can call Senator Fuschillo’s office at 516-882-0630.

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