Helping Others Just a Part of Doing Business For Belle Terre Wellness Center

The collected over 80 coats during its for local people in need, something that they feel is just another part of doing business in a community like Port Jefferson.

When Dr. Mark Lipschitz, the former owner of the center, volunteered his services at the at he recognized the need of local families and started the coat drive last year.

“The coat drive last year collected 70 coats,” said Paul A. McElderry, the current owner of the practice. “So needless to say, we are quite excited that we surpassed that mark.”

The coats that they collect are donated to Rev. William A. Hanson at St. Gerard Majella. The church then distributes the coats to local families in Port Jefferson who need them. The church gives any surplus coats to neighboring churches to distribute them in their local communities.

The response they received from the community was overwhelming. Most people were happy to come in to drop off coats.

“I was completely shocked when I had found that a couple of people had actually gone out to the store and bought four or five brand new coats,” McElderry said. “And the tags were still on them.”

He thought that doing the coat drive and taking part in other charitable causes - like being a donation point for this holiday season – is a way to extend their work in the wellness center.

“We care for people,” McElderry said. “Each one of our patients feels like a part of our extended family here and we only wish to extend our family out into the community where it is most needed. “

He called the coat drive just a drop in the bucket, allowing them to help keep people warm this winter.

“You know, most people come to Port Jefferson and get to see our wonderful little village,” McElderry said. “They get to shop in all our beautiful stores and dine at our amazing restaurants but most people do not realize just how many people are in need here. How many people are living without heating oil, health insurance, money for Christmas gifts for their children and without proper coats to keep them warm.”

He wants to continue to help the people of Port Jefferson.

“We would like to become more involved in caring for our community and we will,” said McElderry.