Islanders fans skate to support Sandy fund

The New York Islanders franchise is opening its doors to help those affected by superstorm Sandy.

Team officials will host a free-admission open skate at Nassau Coliseum on Monday from 2-8 p.m. to provide some much-needed, lighthearted relief from disaster recovery, and also in an effort to garner donations for those in need.

Throughout the event, staff will collect monetary donations, warm clothing and nonperishable food to be donated to helping local victims.

“With so many people being affected by Hurricane Sandy, the loss of homes, the damage to people’s lives, we consider ourselves lucky,” Islanders General Manager Garth Snow said. “These people that were affected need help to put their lives back together, so come and support a great cause or come and get your mind off this terrible experience.”

The hour-long public skating sessions running throughout the event will feature the Islanders Ice Girls and Sparky the Dragon, the team mascot.

Participants must bring their own skates and there will also be children’s activities in the area. All proceeds from any food and drink purchased that day -- as well as collected monetary and clothing donations -- will go to the American Red Cross’ Sandy relief efforts. Food donations will be given to Island Harvest for those affected by the storm.