National Grid kicked off its Month of Service by honoring veterans at the first-ever Veteran Warm Up event, joining with PSEG Long Island and the nonprofit General Needs to serve more than 100 former service members. The event, held on Friday, Sept. 12—the day after 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance—took place at the National Grid/PSEG Long Island Hicksville offices.

Veterans drove into the parking lot where they received bed-in-a-bag bedding, pillows, and space heaters, along with reusable shopping bags and energy-saving LED lightbulbs. In addition, both energy companies provided information on financial assistance programs and energy efficiency tips.

Throughout the year, National Grid and PSEG Long Island contribute financial support and employee volunteers at community events—including those focused on veterans, who are often among the most vulnerable populations.

“National Grid is proud to partner with PSEG Long Island and General Needs to support our veterans with the essentials they need and deserve,” said Brian Sapp, Director of External Affairs, National Grid. “There’s no better way to kick off our Month of Service than by honoring our veterans. As we honor the anniversary of September 11 this week, we are reminded of the profound sacrifices our veterans have made for our country. Their courage and commitment inspire our continued dedication to service and community.”

“PSEG Long Island and our employees are proud to join forces with General Needs and National Grid to serve former military members who gave so much,” said David Lyons, PSEG Long Island’s interim president and COO. “Veterans can be some of our most vulnerable neighbors and helping them is an important part of PSEG Long Island’s commitment to the safety, security and well-being of our employees and the communities where we live and work.”

“We are grateful for the partnership with National Grid and PSEG Long Island in helping General Needs accomplish our mission to provide homeless and disadvantaged veterans with goods and services in a dignified and respectful manner,” said Lonnie Sherman, co-founder of General Needs. “Partnerships like these are producing tangible results in helping solve some of the issues that plague the men and women who served our country but now need a helping hand.”

Veterans are widely considered an underserved and vulnerable group facing unique challenges in healthcare, mental health, employment, and housing—and Long Island has one of the largest veteran populations in the nation. Along with providing safe and reliable electricity and gas, National Grid and PSEG Long Island proudly support their communities with events and activities throughout the year that directly help neighbors in need. National Grid has volunteer events planned throughout the month across Long Island to give back and support the community.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.