Suffolk Federal Donates $7,500 Towards Food For PJ Front Liners

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — Suffolk Federal donated $7,500 to the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce in a bid to help health care workers at St. Charles Hospital and Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson while also aiding local businesses impacted by the new coronavirus, the credit union announced Friday. The money will feed hospital staff with food from restaurants local to Suffolk Federal's Port Jefferson branch.

"Suffolk Federal recognizes that hospital staff members have continued to endure long hours away from their families to help us fight this disease and move toward ending this crisis," Ralph D. Spencer, Suffolk Federal president & CEO, said in a news release. "This donation is a token to show how much we value our ‘Healthcare Heroes’ and how much we appreciate those local restaurants who are stepping up to support them to ensure that they are properly nourished with a quality meal on an ongoing basis."

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Restaurants throughout New York remain closed except for curbside pick-up or delivery options. The executive order, from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, has been in effect since mid-March and has forced those in the food service to adapt as officials attempt to flatten the coronavirus curve. The donation from Suffolk Federal is meant to serve as a stimulant for the local economy.

"In these difficult times, it is truly a blessing to be part of our Port Jefferson community where the support is overwhelming," Port Jefferson Mayor Margot J. Garant stated. "We thank our partners at Suffolk Federal for helping keep our merchants' doors open and our front-line workers at St. Charles and Mather Hospitals fed and feeling the love and thanks of our community."

Food orders and deliveries made through the donation will be coordinated and executed by the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce within the Port Jefferson Village Business Improvement District. Benefiting restaurants include Nantuckets, Prohibition Kitchen, Harbor Grill/Saghar, Salsa Salsa, C’est Cheese, Fifth Season, Slurp, Pasta Pasta, The Steam Room, PJ Lobster House, Wave Seafood & Steak, and The Pie.

"It is through the efforts of the Port Jefferson Village BID and the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce that we can ALL come together to support our healthcare professionals who are serving on the front lines of this pandemic," said Mary Joy Pipe, president of the Greater Port Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. "Mather and St. Charles Hospitals are such important assets in our community and are our neighbors as well. The generosity of Suffolk Federal allows us to contribute and help those in need and show we are there for them!"

St. Charles is at 200 Belle Terre Road, Port Jefferson, while Mather Hospital is at 75 N. Country Road, Port Jefferson.