July 7, 2006

Mejias and EVE FOUNDATION Kick Off 'Christmas in July Food Drive'

Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa) joined today with Jay Eskin, co-founder of the EVE FOUNDATION and board members to kick off a “Christmas in July Food Drive”, an island wide effort to combat hunger on Long Island. The food drive is held in memory of Eve Eskin Brown, who was murdered seven years ago on July 10, 1999.

PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured are Nassau County Legislator Dave Mejias, with Bonnie and Jay Eskin, members of ACLD Farmingdale/Bridges, and Farmingdale Public Library staff members at the “Christmas in July” press conference.

“I am delighted to lend my support to such a wonderful cause,” said Legislator Mejias. “It is important to remember that our less fortunate families need help the entire year, not just during the holiday season. Efforts like these should never come to a standstill.”

This food drive and many other efforts to help the needy are held in loving memory of Ms. Brown, a marriage and family counselor who also volunteered her time helping victims of domestic violence. It was Ms. Brown’s dedication to others that inspired her parents, Shari and Jay, to create the Eve Foundation so that their daughter’s work and ideals could continue.

“This charitable work being done in Eve’s memory, helps to insure that her life’s work can continue under the auspices of the foundation,” said Mr. Eskin. “We know she would be proud to have her name associated with this food drive.”

All food will be distributed to and through community organizations in Nassau and Suffolk County, such as INN (Interfaith Nutritional Network) in Hempstead, St. Rose of Lima in Massapequa, The Kosher Kitchen in Massapequa, St. Ann’s in Smithtown, The Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Nassau, and Suffolk County and YES in Massapequa.

Non-perishable cans and boxes of food can be brought to the following sites:

• Dr. Shari L. Eskin, 47-8 Boundary Avenue, S. Farmingdale, NY
• Farmingdale Library, 116 Merritts Road in Farmingdale, NY
• North Shore Allergy & Asthma Center, Willow Wood Shopping Center, Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY
• Village Pops, Main Street, Farmingdale, NY-Wednesday Evenings Only!
• Legislator Mejias’ Office at 1 West Street in Mineola, NY

For more information please call the EVE FOUNDATION at 516-756-0335.

"Lets all continue along the path that Eve has created, said Legislator Mejias. I urge everyone to participate, as every little bit counts."