On Thursday, families throughout Long Island will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. While there are many who have the means to have plenty of food on the table, there are those who may not be as fortunate and they need help in order to make it the special day that everyone should be able to experience.
At an event on Tuesday at UBS Arena, the Islanders and UBS partnered to distribute 200 meals to Long Island families in need. Each of those families received a ready to cook turkey dinner with all the trimmings that feeds six to eight people.
"It's incredibly special for the Islanders to partner with UBS," said Ann Rina, Executive Director of Community Relations for the Islanders and the Islanders Children's Foundation.
"This collaboration allows us to give back to the community in a meaningful way, especially during Thanksgiving when the spirit of togetherness and gratitude is so important. It's a privilege to work alongside UBS, a company that shares our values, and together, we can make a real difference in people's lives this holiday season."
New York Islanders
The families in need were connected with the Islanders through non-profit agencies including Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, Family & Children's Association, Gateway Youth Outreach, Rock and Wrap it Up and United Veterans Beacon House.
Islanders and UBS staff volunteered to help with the distribution at the event. Also lending a helping hand were wives of Islanders players.
"We are so thankful for the great group of players and players' wives we have at the Islanders," said Rina. "Compassion, generosity and unity are all values we hold near. Just as the players become members of the community so do the wives. Many of them are raising families here on Long Island. Any opportunity to give back is something they support and are so generous with their time."
Tuesday's event was the latest initiative by the Islanders who have historically done so many wonderful things across Long Island to make an impact in the community.
And that reach also goes beyond Nassau County and Suffolk County.
New York Islanders
The Islanders Children's Foundation was created to help countless youngsters in need around the world. Donations are raised through the efforts of our players, management, and employees, along with our fans and partners.
"These events are a way for us to give back, connect with our fans on a personal level, and make a difference in their lives," said Rina. "It's about showing that the Islanders care about the people who support us, on and off the ice, and reinforcing our commitment to being there for our community in times of need."
Tuesday's event was another example of the significance of the map of Long Island being on the Islanders logo. The franchise means so much to the Long Island community and that goes beyond goals and wins.
There are also assists and saves and the Islanders take as pride in doing that off the ice as they do on the ice.
