Senator Fuschillo Thanks Residents for Donating Over 3,000 Pounds of Food for Families in Need

Charles J. Fuschillo Jr.

May 12, 2011

Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) today thanked local residents for donating over 3,000 pounds of food for families in need.

The food was collected through a food drive sponsored by Senator Fuschillo and Long Island Cares: the Harry Chapin Food Bank. The over 3,000 pounds of food collected through the program will be distributed by Long Island Cares to its network of over 500 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other assistance organizations.

Senator Fuschillo said, “Thanks to the community’s incredible outpouring of support and generosity, we were able to collect a tremendous amount of food for families in need. At a time when over 320,000 Long Islanders don’t know where their next meal is going to come from, this will go a long way towards lending them a helping hand. I thank everyone who helped to make this program a success.”

Paule Pachter, Executive Director of Long Island Cares, Inc. expressed his appreciation by saying, “We are extremely grateful to all of the students, faculty and parents that contributed to the success of this food drive. Senator Fuschillo has been a tireless supporter partnering with our organization to ensure that we are able to provide emergency food and support services for our neighbors in need."

Over twenty local schools and libraries helped Senator Fuschillo collect food as part of the program. Senator Fuschillo expressed his appreciation to the following schools and libraries for their efforts:

* Albany Avenue School (Lindenhurst School District)

* Centennial Avenue Elementary School (Roosevelt School District)

* Copiague Public Library

* Deauville Gardens Elementary School (Copiague School District)

* E.W. Miles Middle School (Amityville School District)

* Forest Lake Elementary School (Wantagh School District)

* Freeport Library

* Levy-Lakeside Elementary School (Merrick School District)

* Lockhart Elementary School (Massapequa School District)

* Mandalay Elementary School (Wantagh School District)

* McKenna Elementary School (Massapequa School District)

* Mepham High School (Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District)