‘Heart of Bethpage’ Spreads Holiday Cheer to Long Island Children

Bethpage Federal Credit Union sponsored various holiday programs throughout Long Island to provide toys and support to the area’s underprivileged children this holiday season.

Bethpage Federal Credit Union has pledged its support to various children’s non-profit organizations this holiday, providing toys and support to underprivileged Long Island families.

Bethpage Credit Union employyes

Bethpage Federal Credit Union employees fill bags of toys this holiday season as part of Operation Jocelyn Spirit. Courtesy Bethpage Federal Credit Union

For the fourth year in a row, through its “Heart of Bethpage” community outreach program, Bethpage has volunteered to support Operation Jocelyn Spirit, a non-profit organization that answers children’s letters to Santa. More than 80 Bethpage employees “adopted” a local child, answered his/her letter, and fulfilled a child’s holiday wish list by purchasing presents that they otherwise would not have been able to enjoy.

Bethpage also participated in the 13th annual Education & Assistance Corporation Holiday Shopping Spree, sponsored by the Marie & Micheal Gubitosi Foundation and hosted this year by Walmart’s Farmingdale location. More than 200 Long Island foster children received a $100 gift card to purchase items on their holiday wish list and shopped with Bethpage volunteers who helped them make their choices of toys, clothing and electronics.

EAC Shopping Spree

A Bethpage Federal Credit Union employeeshops with children who are clients of Education & Assistance Corporation programs Courtesy Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Bethpage supported two additional efforts including the John Theissen Foundation Toy Drive by placing toy collection bins in every Bethpage branch. This is the 10th year Bethpage has worked with the John Theissen Children’s Foundation. Lastly, as part of the Newsday Holiday Lights Festival, sponsored by Bethpage, children and families from across Long Island created holiday cards for children admitted to Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center, located in New Hyde Park.

“Bethpage has been a long-time supporter of Long Island families in need, and during the holidays it’s more important than ever to do what we can to bring happiness and cheer to all Long Island communities,” said Linda Armyn, Senior Vice President, Bethpage Federal Credit Union.  “We’re proud to work with these fine organizations who work so tirelessly to better the lives of others.”

About Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial cooperative, existing solely to serve its members and has experienced rapid growth in recent years to become a strong alternative to banks.  Bethpage was approved for the largest federal community charter in the U.S. in 2003 and now is Long Island’s largest credit union and leading community financial institution with over 205,000 members, 26 branches and 60 shared service center locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties. As a financial cooperative, Bethpage offers better rates, lower fees and a full menu of personal and commercial financial services.

Bethpage maintains branch locations in Bay Shore, Bay Shore King Kullen, Bethpage, Central Islip, Commack King Kullen, Elmont, Farmingdale, Freeport, Glen Cove, Hempstead, Huntington, Levittown King Kullen, Lynbrook, Massapequa, Melville, Mineola, North Babylon, Patchogue, Port Jefferson, Riverhead, Seaford, Smithtown, Roosevelt, West Babylon and Westbury with over 425 surcharge-free ATMs in King Kullen, CVS Pharmacy and Costco locations throughout Long Island.

For more information, call 1-800-628-7070 or visit bethpagefcu.com.