The president and CEO of the National American Red Cross, Gail McGovern, visited Long Island on March 21st to discuss ongoing relief and recovery efforts for victims of Superstorm Sandy with local leaders.
Community partners like Gwen O’Shea from the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, Randi Dresner of Island Harvest, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and Kevin Law, President of the Long Island Association attended the meeting. The talks focused on the response to Sandy so far and what needs are still unmet.
The Red Cross announced that it would commit $1.4 million to Island Harvest to extend local feeding programs through July for Sandy victims. This was on top of the $1.2 million already provided back in February according to reports by the Long Island Herald.
Additional funds are made available through grant programs Chaired by the Health and Welfare Council. $1 million is to go toward the Long Island Unmet Needs Roundtable, which is comprised of non-profit agencies including the United Way of Long Island.
“We are so grateful for the support we’ve received from our national headquarters, and the flexibility to work so closely with our local partners,” said CEO John Miller, of the Long Island Red Cross. “As a Long Islander, I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished together and know that despite the devastation caused by Sandy, we will be even stronger as a community moving forward.”
