MAY 9, 2006, FARMINGVILLE, NY –Brookhaven Supervisor Brian X. Foley and Councilwoman Kathy Walsh launched the Town of Brookhaven’s month-long United Way Campaign at a rally in the lobby of Town Hall Monday morning.

“Last year, Town of Brookhaven employees donated $18,100 during the month-long United Way campaign in Town Hall,” said Supervisor Brian X. Foley, “and I am hopeful that contributions will increase this year. Town employees show their concern for their fellow citizens every day in their jobs here, and then go above and beyond the call of duty to help the United Way.”

Under the direction of Employee Campaign Manager Paulette Brinka of Women’s Services, each town department has a United Way captain who is distributing United Way information packages and entering contributors in a drawing for prizes. The captains can answer questions and will collect completed pledge forms through May 31.

Paulette Brinka is available for information or to answer questions at 451-9130.

Also speaking at the kickoff of the campaign was Councilwoman Walsh, who explained the recent passage by the Brookhaven Town Board of a measure that will insure that the town will make up any pay differential between town salary and military salary for any town employee called to active duty. The United Way set up a special fund in 2004 called the Military Reservists Family fund, which helps families of reservists called to duty in Iran or Afghanistan that are facing financial difficulties.

“I am pleased to speak with you this morning about a United Way initiative that rests close to my heart,” said Councilwoman Walsh. “As you may know, my son is serving along with approximately 1,000 other Long Island men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. They face challenges above and beyond the dangers of the battlefield. They serve overseas for 12 months or more, often leaving behind families with young children who depend on them for support.

“Last Tuesday night, the Brookhaven Town Board recognized these needs, and agreed to make up the difference between an employee’s town salary and what is being earned in the military.

“We can all do our part to help – one way is by supporting the United Way of Long Island and its Military Reservists Family Fund.”

The fund provides grants to families who need help with childcare or the mortgage, with utility bills or with counseling. The Military Reservists Family Fund also supports non-profit organizations that deal with these same challenges. A donation of $2 per week provides mailing materials for families so that they can keep in touch; $5 per week provides one to two months of extra-curricular activities for children of military families; $7 per week helps to pay the utilities or help with the mortgage; and $10 per week provides two months of groceries.

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Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6955 • Fax (631) 451-6677
www.Brookhaven.org