Bay Shore, NY –– The First Congregational Church of Bay Shore (BSFCC), the Bay Shore Lions Club (BSLC) and the Bay Shore Classroom Teachers’ Association (BSCTA) celebrated a successful collaboration in support of the community’s newest food pantry Saturday, March 20th.
Participants gathered in BSFCC’s sanctuary, Bay Shore's oldest Church which was first organized in 1853 and now located at 1860 Union Boulevard. Fran Beringer, President of BSLC and Mike Krieger, President of the BSCTA presented checks totaling $2,250 to BSFCC’s Reverend Anthony Vito Colangelo and Lety Anez, BSFCC’s Community Outreach Director. In addition, four full carloads of food donations were collected from seven schools represented by BSCTA. To date, close to $4,000 has been raised locally to fund the BSFCC, including generous donations from the Jacob Marley Foundation and other community members. The BSFCC began its food pantry ministry with a “Love Lunch” Grab for Pre-K through 5th grade children and is now expanding to serve the increased demand for food from local families.
Reverend Colangelo says, “Food insecurity is a persistent problem that threatens the well-being of many Bay Shore children, youth and families. We share a common vision to address this issue. The bottom line is that you are helping us help many people who are hungry. It’s practical, grass-roots compassion in action.”
BSLC President Fran Beringer agreed, saying, “Bay Shore Lions are 78 local people – your neighbors and friends – who are committed to community service. This is our 90th Anniversary year and for the past seven years, we’ve supported five local food pantries each with a $2,000 contribution annually. We recognize the additional hardship that has come with the COVID-19 pandemic and are pleased to extend our outreach and welcome the BSFCC to our fold.”
According to Mike Krieger, President BSCTA, “We strive to provide Bay Shore and Brightwaters students with high-quality education, and opportunities to get involved in community service. We’re so proud of the way our students and teachers have stepped up and for their enthusiastic response to the call for food and funds for this new food pantry.”
In addition to presentations from each of these organizations, local Suffolk County and Islip Town officials participated. Suffolk County Legislator Steve Flotteron and Islip Town Councilman John Cochrane presented a Citation and Proclamation respectively, praising the collaborative effort to address Bay Shore’s local food insecurity issue.
For further information and interview opportunities, please contact:
Jennifer Carpenter Low, Member First Congregational Church of Bay Shore
bayshorefcc.org
516-658-3249
jenniferannelow@gmail.com
Myra Ripley, Secretary, Bay Shore Lions Club
bayshorelions.org
516-606-0303
myraripley1@gmail.com
