Long Island Insurance Company Raises $20K For Veterans

Press release from United Way of Long Island:

June 15, 2021

Memorial Day was 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.

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