United Way Of Long Island Collecting Essential Items For Seniors

Press release from United Way of Long Island:

Sept. 12, 2020

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 Babylon, Brookhaven, Islip 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.

This press release was produced by United Way of Long Island. The views expressed here are the author's own.