1,000 Veterans to Receive Special Gift, along with Donated Personal Care Kits
May 28, 2021 (Deer Park) – Memorial Day is an occasion to remember our military members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, as well as reflect on how we can support the men and women who served. This past year has been extraordinarily challenging, especially for the many veterans who have been sheltering-in-place and/or are on a fixed income. In response, the Long Island Insurance Community (LIIC) through United Way’s Mission United t-shirt campaign, raised $20,000 in support of local veterans.
The LIIC has actively been fundraising for the Mission United campaign for over a decade. Insurance industry professionals, when making a contribution, receive uniquely designed apparel to wear proudly, showing support for our veterans. This year the members decided that rather than keep the attire, they would gift 1,000 of the t-shirts to veterans across our region. By donating the shirts and raising $20,000, the LIIC is making double the impact.
“We are incredibly pleased by the response of the insurance community’s participation in the LIIC Mission United campaign. Not only did we reach our goal…we exceeded it! The LIIC community has a heartfelt appreciation for veterans and they really want to help our heroes during these challenging times,” said Gloria Gargano, Co-Chair of the Long Island Insurance Community and United Way of Long Island Board of Directors member.
The funds raised by the LIIC will support United Way’s programs that provide veterans and military families with emergency financial assistance, training and key referrals to secure careers, as well as vital case management services.
“For 26 years, the Long Island Insurance Community has been committed to helping Long Islanders. We are grateful to have the LIIC as an ally in providing veterans with the resources they need the most,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO of United Way of Long Island.
The Mission United t-shirts were included into personal care kits filled with PPE, hygiene and snack items, all donated by Bethpage Federal Credit Union. The kits, which include hand sanitizer, a first aid kit, deodorant, socks, toothbrush, toothpaste, The Bountiful Company protein bars and Girl Scout cookies are being delivered to veterans organizations across Long Island.
“This is a great example of a hospital-community partnership that delivers community programs and services to our nation’s Veterans. When we talk about elevating our Veteran communities, we know that achieving this at its highest level takes more than one person or organization. Community engagement is a shared responsibility. Addressing social barriers to health thrives on partnerships and community-driven solutions. By involving the right community partners that address the most pressing health needs of our Veteran communities we serve, is why we are here today,” said Dr. Antonio Sanchez, Executive Director of The Northport VA Medical Center.
To learn more about the Long Island Insurance Community, visit www.L-I-I-C.org or United Way’s Mission United visit www.unitedwayli.org/missionunited.
Photo Caption: The Long Island Insurance Community (LIIC) raised $20,000 through United Way of Long Island’s Mission United t-shirt campaign, all in support veterans and their families. The campaign included gifts of apparel and personal care kits to veterans’ organizations across Long Island including The Northport Medical VA Center.
Pictured left to right: Gloria Gargano, Co-Chair Long Island Insurance Community, CNA Insurance; Maria Thomas, Co-Chair of the Long Island Insurance Community, Friedlander Group; Dr. Antonio Sanchez, Executive Director, The Northport VA Medical Center; Deborah Holmes, Capitol Garment Restoration; Risa Kluger, Servpro of Port Jefferson & Hicksville/Plainview; Waike Joela Brangan, Consultant; William Misita, Philadelphia Insurance Co.; James O’Neill, O’Neill Insurance Brokerage, LLC; Richard Kitson, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, Chief of Voluntary Services/Community Relations, The Northport Medical VA Center; Irene Morlock, United Way of Long Island
Photo Credit: Chad Cooper, US Army Veteran, Northport VA Medical Center Public Affairs
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 the three key building blocks of education, financial stability and health. 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 part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit UnitedWayLI.org, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the LIIC
Established in 1995 the Long Island Insurance Community was developed as a vehicle for the Insurance Industry to give back to the community and to those less fortunate. Since its inception they have raised more than $5 million for Long Island charities including United Way of Long Island. The LIIC continues to bring the Insurance community together to change the lives of neighbors.
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