February 14, 2022 (Deer Park, NY) – United Way of Long Island was awarded a $25,000 grant from Esquire Bank, based in Jericho, NY. This generous contribution will support Long Island families with fuel neutral heating assistance through Project Warmth. Funds will also support the Stuff-A-Bus program, ensuring equity and building confidence in students through its school supplies initiative.
A portion of the funding supports Project Warmth, Long Island's only non-governmental, Island-wide emergency heating fund available during the winter months. This program is a safety net for individuals and families facing energy insecurity and unable to pay their heating bills, many of whom have already exhausted all other options for assistance.
Grant funds also support United Way's Stuff-A-Bus initiative that distributes supplies to students in school districts across Long Island. This includes backpacks, pencils, markers, notebooks, glue, rulers, crayons and more. These items are critical to helping young students succeed, especially for children who come from least advantaged families. This program will ensure that students are given equal opportunities and resources to succeed academically, and allow them to realize their educational goals.
“At Esquire Bank, we take pride in caring for our communities. Supporting United Way of Long Island is one way we give back to our neighbors who work tirelessly to provide for their families,” said Eric S. Bader, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Esquire Bank.
"This funding will help us respond to the needs of our community members from the youngest to the most senior. We are grateful to Esquire Bank for their continued support of United Way's programs to provide financial assistance to Long Island families," stated Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island.
Project Warmth has provided more than $10.5 million in emergency funding to more than 30,000 families. Since its beginnings in 2008, Stuff-A-Bus has delivered over 990,000 school supplies to 45,000 children. For more information about United Way or to support programs that impact Long Islanders, visit www.unitedwayli.org/give.