Mangano Joins Mid-Island Collision As Business Donates $75,000 In Food For The Holidays

two tractor-trailers of food arrive in time for Thanksgiving

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today joined Rockville Centre-based Mid Island Collision owner Bob Jesberger and Long Island’s two largest food donation organizations when Jesberger donated $75,000 in turkeys and other foods for the Holiday Season.

“I have always believed that local businesses are the heart of our communities, and this is a great illustration of why they are so important,” said Mangano. “Bob Jesberger understands that charity begins at home, and he is taking care of his own. We thank him for his generosity and hope other businesses follow this incredible example of giving.”

Two 58’ tractor trailers full of food will be delivered in time for the event. The food will be taken from the trailers and placed in trucks for both LI Cares and Island Harvest.

“I do it for selfish reasons—it makes me feel good,” said Jesberger. “I am lucky that I can do for those who cannot do for themselves.”

Jesberger believes that the business community must increase its charitable giving.

“If every local business just gave a little, there would be no shortage of anything—food, clothing, or shelter. Businesses need to do more, and they are not,” said Jesberger.

The donation made by Bob Jesberger will make a big difference this year. According to Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest, donations of turkeys are down this year while requests are nearly double that of last year’s among the 570 agencies supported by Island Harvest.

“We’re fortunate to have the support of local companies like Mid Island Collision in our fight against hunger,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest. “Thanks to their continued generosity, thousands of Long Island families who otherwise would have gone without will enjoy a brighter, more hopeful holiday.”

Island Harvest provides food support for 285,000 Long Islanders – including 110,000 children – who face the risk of hunger every day.

“Long Island Cares is grateful for the generosity of Bob Jesberger and the team at Mid-Island Collision for their generous support of hunger relief efforts on Long Island,” said Paule T. Pachter, Executive Director of Long Island Cares. “Bob’s generous donation of food to Long Island Cares and Island Harvest will go a long way in helping the more than 320,000 Long Islanders who are hungry and/or food insecure. Long Island Cares provides emergency food to more than 560 community-based charitable organizations, and directly serves nearly 10,000 our neighbors in need. Bob’s donation and support will allow us to realize a significant increase in food donations to The Harry Chapin Food Bank this year.”

Mangano believes Jesberger can be an inspiration to others.

“I applaud Bob Jesberger for his example of giving,” said Mangano. “I hope that it inspires others this holiday season.”