Long Island's 'Essential Drive for Seniors' Began Sept. 11

West Islip NY

15 September, 2020

4:14 PM

Description

Press release from the United Way of Long Island: September 15 2020 (Deer Park) – As part of United Way of Long Island's response to the community needs that emerged from COVID-19, the organization hosted an Essentials Drive for Seniors, chaired by Pat Guidice, Business Manager of IBEW Local 1049. The drive launched on Friday, September 11 in recognition of the National Day of Service, in which Americans are called to volunteer in their local communities. The Essentials Drive for Seniors provides an opportunity for Long Islanders to come together and give back to senior citizens, many of whom are still vulnerable to the coronavirus. While social distancing protects the health of older adults, it also severs ties to critical resources, including access to basic but critical household, sanitization, toiletry and PPE items. Labor union members of IBEW Local 1049, who actively support the Long Island community, donated everyday essential items that seniors need but may not otherwise have in their homes such as toothpaste, shampoo, dental fixative, facial tissue and other personal items. "We are very pleased to be working with United Way of Long Island to support its Safe at Home for Seniors initiative," said Pat Guidice, Business Manager, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1049. "Our Long Island members, who handle the utility work for National Grid and PSEG Long Island, play an integral role supporting the Long Island Community, and that includes its senior population. The COVID pandemic still has countless seniors confined to their homes. We need to provide as much assistance as we can." "We are grateful to have Pat and his team of union members be part of United Way of Long Island's Essentials Drive for Seniors. The items collected will make a significant impact in the lives of seniors across Long Island. Together, we are part of a United Solution to uplift our neighbors and provide them stability," said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. The drive is part of United Way's Safe at Home for Seniors program, which supports older adults in the Towns of Islip, Babylon, Brookhaven and Huntington by caring for the health and safety of seniors who are sheltering in place and lack resources. Through United Way's community partners - Family Service League, Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center, Housing Help Inc. and Pronto of Long Island - items collected from the Essentials Drive will be distributed to those in need throughout the fall and early winter. Local 1049 union members can drop off items at their specified work sites. Union members as well as the public can donate items to the Essentials Drive for Seniors by purchasing items on United Way's Amazon Registry at www.unitedwayli.org/safeathome. For seniors in need of assistance, contact 211 Long Island for information and referrals related to support services. Dial 2-1-1, or outside of Nassau and Suffolk Counties 1-888-774-7633 and visit 211longisland.org. To learn more about or to support the Safe at Home for Seniors Essentials Drive, visit www.unitedwayli.org/safeathome. Photo Caption: On the National Day of Service, United Way of Long Island and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1049 launch its Essentials Drive for Seniors to collect household, sanitization, toiletry and PPE items as part of United Way's Safe at Home for Seniors program. Pictured left to right: Noelle Campbell, Executive Director, Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center; Theresa Regnante, President & CEO, United Way of Long Island; Vivian Hart, President, Pronto of Long Island; Marcelo Valenzuela, Local 1049 Union Member; John O'Connell, Vice President of Transmission & Distribution, PSEG Long Island; Pat Guidice, Business Manager, IBEW Local 1049; John Bruckner, President, National Grid; Ryan Powell, Local 1049 Union Member; Kasey Scheid, Communications Manager, IBEW Local 1049; Pilar Moya-Mancera, Executive Director, Housing Help Inc. About United Way of Long Island United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on three key building blocks; health, education and financial stability. It is our priority to create equity across Long Island by investing in partnerships, helping the most vulnerable and at risk through organizations and programs that demonstrate raising the bar for fairness and equal access to services. Our organization provides a united solution and impact, fighting for families across Long Island. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. United Way of Long Island is an independent locally-operated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, led and governed by an independent Board of Directors based on Long Island. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit UnitedWayLI.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. About IBEW Local 1049 IBEW Local 1049 is one of the largest private sector labor unions on Long Island with over 3,500 members. As one of 767 IBEW local unions throughout the U.S. and Canada, Local 1049 functions as part of IBEW's Third District which encompasses New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. The Union and its members play an integral role in supporting the Long Island community. Members include volunteer firefighters, Little League and soccer coaches. They are working men and women who serve their fellow Long Islanders with pride, dedication and distinction. For more information visit our website at www.ibew1049.org. This press release was produced by the United Way of Long Island. The views expressed here are the author's own.