Credit union raises funds for United Way

Bethpage Federal Credit Union has made a $100,000 donation to the United Way’s Operation Live United Military Family Assistance Project as part of its continued support of the program, the credit union said Monday.

U.S. Rep. Steve Israel (D-Dix Hills) in a related announcement said Operation Live United has been expanded to include the new Veterans Hiring Program, which Bethpage also plans to support.

The credit union’s contribution comes in light of the $75,000 it has raised over the past three years for Operation Live United through T-shirt sales at the annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach.

Bethpage also is to sponsor several local veteran events this year including the Islip Art Council “Salutes Armed Forces of the USA” concert on July 14 at Heckscher State Park.

The $100,000 donation “will go toward supporting programs that serve Long Island military, reservist and National Guard personnel active in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families,” Israel said in a statement.

United Way of Long Island president and chief executive Theresa Regnante in a statement said the gift will be used for such veteran needs as “providing financial assistance for lodging near a rehab facility, transitional housing, or mental health treatment for PTSD.”