As a result of his efforts to spearhead a humanitarian relief drive for victims of Hurricane Maria living in Puerto Rico, Assemblyman Dave McDonough (R,C,I-Merrick) was awarded a special plaque of recognition by Long Island Cares, Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer Paule T. Pachter and Chief Governmental Affairs Officer Michael W. Haynes.

“I would like to thank Paule Pachter and Michael Haynes for this honor and all the great people at Long Island Cares who bolstered my efforts to bring relief and aid to the victims of Hurricane Maria,” McDonough said. “When I heard about the terrible conditions that had befallen our fellow American citizens in Puerto Rico I knew our community would not hesitate to step up and take action. Although full recovery efforts are expected to take several years, things as simple as bottled water, baby formula and first aid supplies have made an amazing difference to the citizens struggling to rebuild and survive with their families on Puerto Rico.”

McDonough was one of the first elected officials on Long Island to take action following Hurricane Maria, and his efforts led to the participation of several other community leaders, politicians and activists.