The shutdown of our federal government represents a very sad moment in our history. It adversely impacted our family and neighbors who work for the government and it harmed our economy. Nearly 15,000 of our fellow Long Islanders went without a paycheck.
As the shutdown progressed with no near end in sight, I decided to ask for your help and partnered with Sen. Jim Gaughran and Long Island Cares to hold a food and supplies drive. Your response was overwhelming.
Although I was confident that we would be able to collect necessary items for those in need, I never would have imagined that our community would contribute so much. What you did makes me proud to be an American.
Your generosity in helping our family and neighbors, and even those you will never personally meet, is an extraordinary exercise in care and compassion, which will never be forgotten.
I sincerely thank you all.
Charles D. Lavine
Member of Assembly, District 13
