“Hockey Hits Hunger”
Bethpage Team’s Food Drive a Success

The Bethpage Varsity Hockey team gave back to the community through its “Hockey Hits Hunger” food drive. Community members were asked to bring non-perishable food donations to two games in January held at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center located in Bethpage Community Park at Stewart and Cherry Avenues.

The hockey players, under the direction of Coach Patrick Braglia, collected boxes of food and, dressed in full uniform, personally delivered them to St. Martin of Tours Church to be distributed to families less fortunate in the community. Coach Braglia explained that the idea for this effort was developed as a way to thank the community for creating the brand new, recently opened ice-skating rink. “We wanted to show our appreciation,” he said. “It is a beautiful place that we plan to use for a very long time and I see it as a growing point for hockey in Bethpage.”

The drive proved to be another excellent example of community spirit and kindness in Bethpage.

Photos: Provided by Syntax Communication

1: The Varsity Hockey Team collected donated food items during two games in January, held at the new Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center.
2: Some team members separate and package food donations.
3: Team Coach Patrick Braglia (second from left) and Assistant Coach Jeff Schmier (back row, second from right), joined by several hockey team members, deliver food to St. Martin of Tours Church.