INCORPORATING THE WEST HEMPSTEAD BEACON VOL. 76 No. 01
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$100K to Island Harvest to fight hunger year-round Hunger persists for Long Islanders, money to help nonprofit’s mission
reach activities, and advocacy initiatives. Its work supports a wide network of community-based nonprofits, as well as indiWhile the surge of generosity that viduals, families, and seniors in need. At an event in 2024 in Nassau County’s marks the holiday season fades once the decorations come down, the need facing headquarters in Mineola, Randi Shubin food banks and families struggling to Dresner, the president and chief execumake ends meet continues year-round — tive of Island Harvest, and a former East a reality prompting renewed investment Meadow Herald Person of the Year, from organizations seeking to sustain explained that even though Nassau Counthat support well beyond ty has some of the winter. wealthiest residents livAddressing that need, ing within its zip codes, last month, PSEG FoundaIsland Harvest helps tion, a nonprofit supported more than 100,000 neighand funded by PSEG, bors in need. Annual announced $1.5 million in distribution efforts have grants to more than 25 topped 10 million community organizations pounds in Nassau Counthat provide critical assisty. tance to households facing Many neighbors in economic hardship, includneed who receive food ing a $100,000 award to from Island Harvest are Island Harvest, a longtime working, sometimes community partner of multiple jobs, to make PSEG Long Island, a major ends need. electricity provider for the “We’re on the side of region. action,” Shubin Dresner CALVIN LEDfORD JR. The funding is part of said of Island Harvest’s President of the PSEG the foundation’s Communiefforts. “We are providFoundation ty Relief Initiative, a yearing support, and imporlong effort designed to boltantly, we’re providing ster food banks and social service organi- 10 million pounds of food so we can be zations through a multifaceted approach. sure that our neighbors don’t have to The initiative also reflects the founda- worry about where their next meal comes tion’s commitment to affordability and from.” community well-being, while reinforcing David Lyons, interim president and the volunteer efforts of employees at chief operating officer at PSEG Long PSEG Long Island. Island said the company has long partIsland Harvest Food Bank is a leading nered with Island Harvest to collect, sort hunger-relief organization with a mis- and distribute meals to Long Islanders sion to end hunger and reduce food waste facing food insecurity. on Long Island. The organization boasts “We have seen first-hand the good food and product collection and distribu- work Island Harvest has done, and we are tion systems, hunger awareness and edu- thrilled that the PSEG Foundation is cation programs, a Workforce Skills ensuring that even more good can be Development Institute, as well as targeted done through this $100,000 grant,” he said services for specific populations, outCOntinued On Page 7
By JORDAN VALLONE
jvallone@liherald.com
D
Courtesy The Bridge Church
Celebrating the Bridge Church of the nazarene’s 75th anniversary at the Sand Castle on nov. 21 are, from left, church members Saadia and Sergio navarro, Rich Barker and Frank Scorcia.
The Bridge Church celebrates 75 years
Religious institution in Malverne reaches, celebrates milestone By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
The Bridge Church of the Nazarene became a valued part of the Malverne community in 2007, when it established a ministry at a religious sanctuary on Norwood Avenue, which formerly housed the Malverne Jewish Center. But the church’s history extends long before that time, and members of the congregation marked its 75th anniversary during a gala celebration in November. “Reaching 75 years, it’s a reminder of all the folks who’ve come through the doors of the church,” the Rev. Humberto Chavez, the church’s lead pastor, said. “So to honor the legacy of the church, which is a loving, welcoming church in our DNA, meant so much.” The Bridge Church was originally established in 1949 as The Valley Stream
Church of the Nazarene, an extension of the thriving East Rockaway Nazarene Church. Outreach by members and leaders quickly grew the membership, and several services were held in a tent every Sunday. Within a year, a church structure was built on the corner of Hillside Avenue and Clarendon Street in Valley Stream, and the church was officially incorporated in August 1950. The church’s membership continued to grow under the leadership of Pastor Sam Smith, due to a focus on youth activities and ministry, and the church’s structure underwent expansion. In the early 1960s, due to social and economic changes, membership began to decline after Smith left for a church in Chicago. In 1973, Pastor Art Alexander, with his COntinued On Page 3
uring times of economic challenges and hardship, these collaborations allow us to deliver meaningful solutions that directly benefit families.