For the Islanders and their fans, there’s a lot to be thankful for as Thanksgiving approaches this week. The Islanders have been a big surprise this season with their play on the ice and to be able to see first overall pick Matthew Schaefer blossom as an 18-year-old star right in front of their eyes.
But for some families on Long Island, there is a big concern this holiday season and that is not having food on the table for Thanksgiving. On Monday, the Islanders Children’s Foundation partnered with UBS to hand out 200 meals to families in the Elmont area during an event at UBS Arena.
Islanders legend Butch Goring was on hand along with some of the Islanders’ wives and girlfriends to help with the distribution.
And there was a surprise…Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock attended to lend a helping hand.
“It’s a pleasure to be here and helping out getting ready for Thanksgiving,” said Pulock. “It starts with UBS and the Islanders getting those meals ready and some of the wives coming here and helping out. I think that’s kind of what it’s all about…community and giving back. Being able to play here…these people are fans and cheer us on so it’s just nice to have a day to come back and help out.”
The Islanders Children’s Foundation was able to identity the families in need by partnering with local community groups and nonprofit organizations including Island Harvest, Long Island Cares, Veteran Beacon House, Gateway Youth Outreach and Rock and Wrap it Up.
The meals were purchased from Stew Leonard’s and includes a turkey, four side dishes, dessert and dinner roll.
“UBS is proud to join the Islanders Children’s Foundation to support this event again,” said Elba Obregon, Associate Director of Brand Activation, Sponsorships and Events America for UBS.
“We’re just happy to play a small role in their Thanksgiving and they’re grateful that they’re inviting us to their table in this way. It is important for UBS to support the local Elmont community. This means a lot to all of us at UBS.”
The Islanders have always been an important part of the Long Island community, not just as the only major sports franchise that calls Long Island home, but also to be able to give back to the community, especially those who are not as fortunate as others.
Not only do the Islanders provide joy to their fans on the ice, but they also do their part to make sure that families can come together during the holiday season and not worry about the hard times they may be going through.
“This is a tough time of year for some people,” said Pulock. “Anytime you can try to help out in any way, even it it’s small…whatever it may, it means a lot to some people. It’s special to have this opportunity to do something small just to keep a smile and have families to be able to come together and have a nice meal together. That’s what it’s all about.”
As the Islanders get ready for Wednesday night’s game against the Boston Bruins at UBS Arena, their focus is to continue winning and move up the standings in the Metropolitan Division and the Eastern Conference. And while the mission statement is to ultimately win the Stanley Cup, the Islanders continue to be an important part of the Long Island community by giving back to those in need throughout the year.