From left, Legislator Nick Caracappa with John Rose, owner of Slice’s Pizza, Diane Caudullo, of the Centereach Civic Association, Doreen Newman and Lenore Paprocky of the Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce.
Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa invited the community to his “Meet and Greet” event at Slice’s Pizza Boutique in Selden on March 26. Also in attendance were members of the local civic and chamber groups, as well as members of the Farmingville Fire Department and VFW Post 4927. Each participant received a free slice of pizza.
Legislator Nick Caracappa (center) with(left to right) Farmingville Fire Department members Sue Russo, Sal Russo, Commissioner, Laurie Wallace, Dominic Russo, Chief, Bob Wallace, Commissioner and pizzeria owner John Rose.
The purpose of the event was to encourage residents to meet their County Legislator and discuss local issues of importance. “Being recently elected in this district, I want to make it clear to my constituents that my door is always open to hear their concerns,” stated Caracappa. “And if we can enjoy delicious pizza in the process, it’s a win-win! I also wanted to remind residents that we have many great small businesses in our community, and we should continue to show them our support. I thank John Rose, owner of Slice’s, for hosting this successful event.”
If you own a small business in the Fourth Legislative District and wish to be highlighted or interested in hosting a legislative “Meet and Greet,” please contact Legislator Caracappa’s office by email at [email protected], or by calling 631-854-9292.
Urban Air Lake Grove owners Dave Wolmetz and Keith Handler (holding scissors) held a ribbon cutting to mark the official reopening of their business — one year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic — on March 26. The celebration was attended by local, county and state officials and local chamber members.
The 48,000 sq. ft indoor adventure park, located at 3147 Middle Country Road in Lake Grove, was closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened briefly in fall 2020 after providing sufficient demonstration that it could operate safely but was ordered closed again five weeks later. A lawsuit filed in February 2021 forced the State of New York to allow Family Entertainment Centers across the state, including Urban Air, to open again under COVID-19 safety protocols.
“I was happy to attend the grand reopening of Urban Air Adventure Park at 3147 Middle Country Road in Lake Grove. For too long indoor entertainment facilities, like Urban Air, were ignored in the Governor’s reopening plan despite proving they could operate safely. I was proud to stand with my colleagues in government today and congratulate Urban Air on their reopening and wish them the best of luck with their business,” said Councilman LaValle.
“[It was] great to join Urban Air Adventure Park in Lake Grove for a grand re-opening! Amusements are opening back up in time for summer!” added Assemblyman Smith.
Pictured from left, Brendan Chamberlain representing Leg. Nick Caracappa; Greater Middle Country Chamber President Lenore Paprocky; Leg. Leslie Kennedy;Councilman Kevin LaValle; Assemblyman Doug Smith; Carrie and Dave Wolmetz; Suffolk County Comptroller John Kennedy; Keith Handler; NYS Senator Mario Mattera; Lake Grove Mayor Robert Scottaline; and Barbara Franco, Executive Director of the Greater Smithtown Chamber of Commerce.
The park will operate at 25 percent capacity, with an e-commerce ticketing system managing two-hour timed entry for all guests. Tickets are purchased online in advance. To encourage social distancing, tickets will be offered for purchase at the door on a capacity only basis. Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. For more information, call 631-861-4125.
Sarah Donohue, PA-C
Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology
Woodbury, Smithtown
Who inspired you and why?
"Both my parents worked full time jobs Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and somehow my mom still managed to make family dinner a priority every night when we were growing up. My dad came to every sporting event and worked around his schedule to always cheer us on. My parents have always been hard workers and my biggest supporters and I have them to thank for my successes, motivation, and drive."
Colette R. Frey-Bitzas
Director of Financial Planning
Certified Financial Planner™ professional, MBA
PPS Advisors/ American Portfolios, Holbrook
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
“You are intelligent; embrace your feminine qualities, be open to learn from others, respect those who came before you — their knowledge is diverse. Listen, continuously learn, add your flavor of who you are, and most importantly always give from the heart to help others. Become the best version of yourself!”
Nancy Sheils
Real Estate Salesperson
Team Ardolino, Setauket
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
"My advice to the next generation of women is to find a healthy balance between family and career. Don't ever settle, follow your dreams. Most importantly, rely on yourself, be confident in the decisions you make that are best for you and your family which will make you a healthy, whole person in life."
Pinky Parikh
Owner, Setauket Gifts, Setuaket
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
"Nothing is easy for Working women but they are multitasking and it just comes naturally, you just have to be determined that “YOU CAN DO IT.”
Maryann D'Onofrio
Real Estate Salesperson
Team Ardolino, Setauket
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
"I believe the best advice for the next generation of women in the workplace would be to always be respectful while still being strong, even in the face of adversity and negativity, and secondly kindness. Never underestimate the power of a kind woman. Kindness is a choice that comes from incredible strength.”
Susan A. Berland
Suffolk County Legislator, 16th Distirct
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
“To our future generation of women in the workforce, believe in yourself first and foremost, and you will succeed at anything you do.”
Kara Hahn
Suffolk County
Legislator
5th District
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce
“Don’t worry about whether people like you and don’t let small setbacks become big hurdles; be kind, trust your instincts and take smart risks to achieve meaningful goals.”
Kathleen Gobos, Advertising Director
TBR News Media, Setauket
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
"Be Fearless!"
Cindi A.Prentiss
Owner, Physical Therapy & Beyond
Smithtown, Riverhead
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
"Follow your dreams. Never let anyone dissuade you from your goals. Place attention on your intention and stay focused. If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life."
Melissa Doris, Esq.
Burner Law Group, P.C., East Setauket
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
"Know your worth. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want or move on to take your career to the next level."
Stephanie A. Cooper, M.D.
Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology
Woodbury, Smithtown
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
"My advice for women in the workforce is to learn how to turn a “no” into a yes through determination and persistence. Envision your goals, make them happen and believe in yourself."
Gloria Rocchio
President, Ward Melville Heritage Organization, Stony Brook
Who inspired you and why?
"Mrs. Ward Melville inspired me; she told me never look at the entire twig pile, look at each twig one at a time, then all of a sudden the twig pile is gone."
Jenna Lennon
Social Media, TBR News Media, Setauket
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
"Stop doubting and start doing!"
Beth Enright
Director of School Bus Operations
Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc., Ronkonkoma
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
“When you feel like you can’t, you can!”
Robin Lemkin
Account Executive
TBR News Media, Setauket
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
"Love what you do, do what you love!"
JoAnn DeLucia
Owner, JoAnn’s (Gluten Free) Desserts, Inc.
Miller Place
What advice would you give to the next
generation of women in the workforce?
"Don’t let fear hold you back from pursuing a dream ... surround yourself with positive people, and go for it!"
Leah Dunaief,
Publisher
Jackie Zambito
Real Estate Salesperson, Team Ardolino, Setauket
How do you balance
work/life responsibilities?
"Balancing work/life + responsibilities takes practice along with trial and error. I do my best to prioritize my family first then work."
Sheila Murray
Classifieds Director,
TBR News Media, Setauket
How do you balance
work/life responsibilities?
"Don't be afraid to go after your goals!"
Tara Lennstrom-Grippe
Owner, Port Jefferson Dance Academy
Port Jefferson Station
How do you balance
work/life responsibilities?
"Organization is key to balancing life, work, family and activities. Plan as far ahead as you can, but be flexible for the unexpected!"
Susannah Meinersman
Co-owner, Bon Bons Chocolatier, Huntington
Who inspired you and why?
"My inspiration is my mom, Mary Alice; for her hard work, perseverance and dedication to making a great product!"
Michal Lipshitz, Esq.
Burner Law Group, P.C. - New York, NY
Who inspired you and why?
"My father inspired me. He always had (and continues to have) this amazing work ethic, while also being able to step away and spend time with his family. I always admired that. I have since learned to be a hard worker but I also understand the importance of taking time out for yourself, whether it is to spend time with family and friends, or doing an activity that is completely unrelated to work. It’s important for your mental health."
Jen Stark, D.O.
Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology
Woodbury, Smithtown
Who inspired you and why?
"I have had the opportunity to have many surgical mentors along my professional journey, but the person who inspired me the most in my life was Sherman Morris, my high school track coach. He taught me the building blocks that I have continued to carry into my professional life: determination, leadership, perseverance, hard work, passion, and teamwork. He made me believe I could do anything I put my mind to. I didn’t realize it then, but I do now, that I learned the power of positive thinking and mindfulness from him. I hope to have that impact on others along my way."
Britt Burner
Burner Law Group, P.C., Westhampton Beach
Who inspired you and why?
"I am inspired by the strong female colleagues, friends, and co-workers that seamlessly balance their work lives and personal lives."
Vicki Gergely
Pastry Chef Manager
Carousel Bake Shop
The Shoppes at East Wind, Wading River
Who inspired you and why?
"My inspiration for what I do every day by all means is not contributed by one single person. I have been inspired by so many along the way. Included would be my hard working grandfather who had a passion for cooking great food, the first executive chef I ever worked for who instilled so many impeccable traits in me as a Pastry Chef and some very close friends who have always given me the confidence and support to make me realize my potential and keep pushing forward."
Christy Brown
Medical Aesthetician
Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology
Woodbury, Smithtown
Who inspired you and why?
"My inspiration in life is my mother, Patricia. She was a single mother of three and worked tirelessly to provide my brother, sister and I the best life possible. Although she spent most of her time in the workplace, she made the time she had with us count by always being present in the moment. Although she couldn’t spend as much time with us as she wanted, the quality of our time spent together has been an invaluable example of love and balance."
Sarah Anker
Suffolk County Legislator, 6th District
Who inspired you and why?
"My grandmother is one of the many people who inspired me and her battle with breast cancer is what led me to create the non-profit organization Community Health and Environment Coalition (CHEC), which is an organization that raises awareness about how the environment directly impacts our health."
Tara A. Scully, P.C.
Law Office of Tara A. Scully, P.C.
Port Jefferson
How do you balance
work/life responsibilities?
"As a single mother and business owner, balancing my professional responsibilities and family obligations is a struggle every single day. Life is messy and chaotic but I get up every day and do all the things I have to do the best way that I can. My 13-year-old son is my motivation because at the end of the day, I want him to be proud of me. I am blessed to work in a profession where clients allow me into their lives and I get to assist them through some of the most difficult times they will ever experience in life. I pride myself on treating my clients as I would want my loved ones to be treated if they were in crisis."
Minnie Yancey
Account Executive
TBR News Media, Setauket
How do you balance
work/life responsibilities?
"I prioritize — it works for me."
Nicole Eliopoulos
Insurance Agent
State Farm
Setauket, Valley Stream
How do you balance
work/life responsibilities?
"With four kids and owning my own business it’s not easy but my husband and children have learned that we all have to work together to make our lives balance."
Lisa Godt
Real Estate Salesperson
Team Ardolino, Setauket
How do you balance
work/life responsibilities?
"Everything in life is a balance, so the keys to success for me are to "prioritize" and "organize". No matter how successful you become, if you are not organized, you will fail. Make lists for each day, and check them off as they are accomplished. If you don't get to everything, add the remaining tasks to tomorrow's list."
Kathryn Mandracchia, Special Project Manager,
TBR News Media
Who inspired you and why?
"I am inspired by the resilience I see around us every day in the face of many challenges,
in both our home and work life settings."
Brittni Sullivan, Esq.
Burner Law Group, P.C., Port Jefferson Station
Who inspired you and why?
"I am fortunate to work with several young moms who constantly need to balance work/life and being able to share experiences and support each other has been invaluable."
Jean Giuffre
Real Estate Salesperson
Team Ardolino, Setauket
Who inspired you and why?
"Without a doubt, I was inspired by the many women that I met during my cancer treatments. I saw such Strength, Courage, Determination and an Unwavering Ability to continue to live life to the fullest with a positive outlook (while fighting for their lives). That to me is by far the most inspirational."
Doreen Bollhofer
Founder/Principal Designer
Scented Interiors by Design, St. James
Who inspired you and why?
"My mom is my inspiration who, as a talented and successful Interior Designer, managed to balance it all and be present in our lives."
Alexia Poulos
Licensed Sales Associate
Douglas Elliman, East Setauket
How do you balance
work/life responsibilities?
"I am a better mother because of my career. I strive for and achieve greater success because I want to be a role model for my children to do the same."
Maria Palmar Real Estate Broker, Maria Palmar Properties, Port Jefferson How do you balance work/life responsibilities? "The flexibility to incorporate what I love Real Estate with earning a living is a blessing..."
Join us in celebrating local women’s successes
By Leah S. Dunaief
Leah Dunaief
As you know, March is Women’s History Month, honoring the contributions of women to history, culture and society. Did you know that women in the United States of America could not own property until 1862? You probably know from all the recent centennial publicity that women are able to vote only since 1920. But did you know that a woman could not have a credit card in her name until 1974? Now that is a startling statistic because it is not plucked from the dustbins of history but rather, for us of a certain age, a contemporary one. After all, I started The Village Times, the first newspaper of Times Beacon Record News Media, on April 8,1976. Getting a credit card then, whether for business or personal use, was a big complicated deal and how to run a business without one?
You might say we women in the workplace have indeed come a long way. And even though women still earn only 81cents for every dollar men earn, we can be pleased with our success so far. I’m saying “pleased,” but not yet “satisfied.”
Women’s History Month grew out of Women’s History Week, first celebrated in Sonoma County, California, in 1978 to acknowledge the singular contributions of women that had been largely ignored in most history books. The idea spread to other communities and President Jimmy Carter adapted it by presidential proclamation to a national observance in 1980. Since 1987, it has been celebrated annually by congressional resolution for the entire month of March in the United States, made to overlap International Women’s Day on March 8.
Today there are some 12.3 million women-owned businesses in the U.S., according to the National Association of Women Business Owners. Compare that to 402,000 women-owned businesses in 1972. Further, they generate 1.8 trillion dollars a year. There are 114% more women entrepreneurs than 20 years ago, starting roughly 1,821 new businesses every day, and that plays a significant role in the United States economy.
We want to call your attention to these female success stories on a local level. You probably don’t think of who owns the business when you shop in a store or use a service, nor should you. We women have proven ourselves adept at business and professional management, and seek nothing more than the same opportunities to support ourselves, our families, our employees, and to serve the public that men have enjoyed over the centuries.
Still, considering how far we have come today, we can’t be faulted in any demonstration of business success, such as in this section, for having a little extra gleam in our eye.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar representatives presented a check for $12,091 to Toys for Tots on Feb. 24. The funds were raised during Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar’s 22nd annual fundraising campaign in support of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, which distributes new toys to as many underprivileged children as possible to provide a tangible sign of hope during the Christmas season.
This year, Applebee’s also introduced its own “Tots for Tots” program, offering guests an additional way to donate by adding tater tots to any order for just $3, with each sale going directly to the organization. Since its inception, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises have raised $4.9 million through its Toys for Tots fundraising campaign to benefit local communities in Florida, Georgia, Long Island and New Jersey. In just 2020 alone, Toys for Tots distributed 20.2 million toys to 7.4 million children.
Owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises, participating Suffolk County Applebee’s locations included Bohemia, Brentwood, Commack, East Farmingdale, East Islip, Farmingville, Huntington, Lake Grove, Lindenhurst, Miller Place, Patchogue, Riverhead and Shirley.
Pictured from left, John Antosiewicz, area director, Applebee’s New Jersey; Meredith Free, general manager, Applebee’s; David Fox, sergeant, United States Marine Corps Reserve; and Nick D’Andrea, chief warrant officer 4, Toys for Tots Coordinator.
From left, Legislator Nick Caracappa joins Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce member Marisa Pizza in congratulating David and Anastasia Davidov at their grand opening celebration last Saturday.
Owner David Davidov cuts the ribbon
Owner David Davidov cuts the ribbon
Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa and Shawn Hyms, Legislative Aide to Assemblyman Doug Smith, recently joined the Farmingville Hills Chamber of Commerce to welcome Danny’s Unisex Barber Shop to the Farmingville community at their grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony on March 6.
Shop owner Danny Davidov purchased and modernized the former Eastern Taxidermy site, located at 734 Horseblock Road, and transformed it into a state-of-the-art barbershop for both men and women. Legislator Caracappa and Mr. Hyms on behalf of Leg. Smith presented Certificates of Recognition to commemorate the event.
“It was a pleasure meeting Danny and his beautiful family as we welcomed Danny’s Unisex Barber Shop into the Farmingville Community and the 4th Legislative District! I wish them much success,” said Leg. Caracappa
Paul Goldbart, PhD, has been appointed the new Executive Vice President and Provost at Stony Brook University, effective March 22. The announcement was made by SBU President Maurie McInnis. Goldbart is currently Dean of the College of Natural Sciences, Robert E. Boyer Chair and Mary Ann Rankin Leadership Chair at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin).
Paul Goldbart
As the chief academic officer at Stony Brook, Goldbart will be responsible for oversight of the academic mission of the university, providing direct supervision for all academic units, support services and operations, including enrollment management and student success, and coordinating all academic programs. In addition, the deans and directors of the colleges, schools, libraries, centers and institutes, including those in the Health Sciences Center related to non-clinical matters, will report to the Provost.
“Dr. Goldbart is widely respected as a renowned scientist, educator and academic leader whose excellent experience in leading a large and complex college will help to build upon our performance and reputation as a leading public research university,” said President McInnis.
“I’m a passionate advocate for public research universities such as Stony Brook University, which are crucibles of human creativity, guardians of human capability and places where students can discover who they are and how they can contribute to the world,” said Goldbart. “Stony Brook is a superb example, powered by its remarkable staff, students and faculty; outstanding partner organizations in the region; and passionate, dedicated alumni and friends. I feel thrilled and fortunate to be joining the community that I have long admired — and I am grateful to President McInnis and the search committee for the opportunity.”
Goldbart succeeds Fotis Sotiropoulos, PhD, who has served as Interim Provost since September 2020. Sotiropoulos will continue his role as Dean of the College Engineering and Applied Sciences (f) and SUNY Distinguished Professor of Civil Engineering.
On Feb. 24 Councilman Kevin LaValle and Suffolk County Legislator Nick Caracappa joined other community leaders in welcoming Lidl Grocery Store to Selden at their grand opening-ribbon cutting ceremony. Located in the Selden Plaza shopping center at 211 Middle Country Road in the former Best Market, the new store is the fourth Lidl location in the Town of Brookhaven, including Lake Grove, Patchogue, and Center Moriches.
Lidl’s history dates back to 1973, when the first modern Lidl store opened in Ludwigshafen, Germany. With only three employees and about 500 products, this small store became the foundation of Lidl’s far-reaching expansion. During the 1990s, they began opening stores outside of Germany and within a few years, had stores all across Europe.
They now operate approximately 11,200 stores, are active in 32 countries, and employ more than 310,000 people globally. In June 2015, they established their U.S. headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, and now sell their award-winning products in more than 100 stores in nine states across the East Coast.
Leg. Nick Caracappa makes a statement during the grand opening of Lidl in Selden
“I welcome Lidl to Selden, as their commitment to Long Island has been steadfast. I look forward to them servicing our community as well. What makes Lidl a welcome addition to Selden is its commitment to environmental responsibility, and its effort to support groups in addressing hunger,” said Legislator Caracappa.
“I welcome the new Lidl food market to Selden and encourage people to stop by. They are well known for discount prices and for their community outreach, and I look forward to working with them in the future to benefit the Selden residents. Congratulations and good luck in the new location,” added Councilman LaValle.
Pictured in top photo, from left, are Linda Miller, President of the Selden Civic Association; Lenore Paprocky, President of Greater Middle Country Chamber of Commerce; Robert Pepe, Lidl Selden Store Manager; Leg. Caracappa; and Councilman LaValle.
Lidl is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call 844-747-5435 or visit www.lidl.com/contact-us.
Bryan Beasley and his wife Mary were thrilled to present the gifts to Chief Nursing Officer Mary Jane Finnegan and Chief Operating Officer Michael Silverman who will oversee their distribution to the lucky winners!
Long Island’s newest Chick-fil-A restaurant, located at 530 Smithtown Bypass, officially opened for business on March 4. The restaurant will bring approximately 100 full- and part-time jobs to the community. Long Island-native, Bryan Beasley, the local owner/operator of Chick-fil-A in Commack and Smithtown is looking forward to welcoming and serving the greater Smithtown community, with hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday. The restaurant will open via drive-thru only. Guests can take advantage of contactless ordering and payment through the free Chick-fil-A mobile app or through online ordering.
In place of the traditional Chick-fil-A First 100® Grand Opening celebration, the restaurant honored 100 local heroes making an impact at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center in Smithtown with free Chick-fil-A for a year on Feb. 26 and will donate $25,000 to Feeding America. The funds will be distributed to partners within the greater Smithtown area to aid in the fight against hunger locally.
Locally Owned and Operated
Bryan Beasley, a Long Island-native, began his journey with Chick-fil-A after a life-altering medical event made him reevaluate his career in the financial services industry. Beasley realized that while he loved helping his clients give back to their communities, he wanted to focus his career on giving back to his own community. In 2016, Beasley opened his first Restaurant, Chick-fil-A Commack, where he will continue to serve as the Operator while simultaneously leading the Chick-fil-A Smithtown team. Grounded in the vision of serving hospitality to positively influence his community and expanding the reach of Chick-fil-A’s mission and values, Beasley spends much of his free time supporting local youth sports and leadership initiatives within the community.
Bryan Beasley with the restaurant’s mascot.
Beasley and his family continue to honor the medical team that saved his life after a virus attacked his heart in 2011, with what he’s named “The Thankful Hearts Project.” Each year, his family encourages others to join them in performing intentional acts of kindness to honor the medical team.
“Having been born and raised on Long Island, and now raising my own family here, I could not be more excited to expand Chick-fil-A’s reach in the place that has shaped who I am today,” said Beasley. “Chick-fil-A Smithtown will further our efforts to serve great-tasting food with genuine hospitality to our community, while also providing personal and professional growth opportunities that I hope will shape a successful future for our Team Members.”
About Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family owned and privately held restaurant company founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. Devoted to serving the local communities in which its franchised restaurants operate, and known for its Original Chick-fil-A® Chicken Sandwich, Chick-fil-A serves freshly prepared food in more than 2,600 restaurants in 47 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada.
The Hamptons turned red in honor of American Heart Month on Feb. 5. Burner Law Group, an all-female law firm, lit up their Westhampton Beach location in red to raise awareness for women’s heart health. Nancy Burner‚ Esq. the founder of Burner Law Group‚ P.C, and her daughter Britt Burner, Esq., have teamed up with Northwell Health and the Katz Institute for Women’s Health to bring wellness initiatives to the east end. Britt is a member of the Katz Institute Advisory Council.
Pictured from left, Amy Loeb, Ed.D, MBA, RN, Executive Director, Peconic Bay Medical Center; Nancy Burner, Esq.; Britt Burner, Esq.; and Stacey Rosen, MD, Senior Vice President, Women’s Health at Northwell Health and Partners Council Professor of Women’s Health.
Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL) recently announced that its 2020 “Buy, Give, Get” program has resulted in the collection of 42,000 winter coats, nearly 12,000 more than last year, to be donated to veterans in need this winter.
From late October through early January, the “Buy, Give, Get” program at the closeout discount retailer’s 142 stores in nine states encouraged customers to purchase a quality, brand-name men’s or women’s winter coat for $40.00 (retail value: $80.00-$120.00) and give it back to the store for donation to a veteran. In appreciation of the donation, customers received a $40.00 Crazy Deal Gift Card to be used for a future purchase at Ocean State Job Lot, effectively allowing customers to donate winter coats for free.
Participating stores in our neck of the woods included Centereach, North Babylon and East Northport.
“We are so pleased with the results of this year’s program,” said David Sarlitto, Executive Director, Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation. “What started out as a 600-coat test donation just a few years ago has grown into one of the largest programs of its kind serving veterans in need across the region. The fact that we exceeded last year’s donation — in the midst of a pandemic no less — is a true testament to the loyalty and generosity of our customers.”
The coats are currently being distributed to veterans’ organizations throughout the Northeast, in partnership with a multi-state network of more than 50 veteran support agencies, organizations, assistance programs and action groups serving New England, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.