As part of its Hockey With a Heart campaign, the New York Islanders will bill their Dec. 26 game against the Toronto Maple Leafs as American Red Cross Night. In addition to promoting the lifesaving work of the American Red Cross in Nassau County, a portion of the game's proceeds will go toward local disaster relief efforts.

"We are very grateful for the continued support shown to our organization by the New York Islanders," said Frank Cassano, chief executive officer of the Nassau Red Cross. "I'm still amazed at the number of people who don't realize that we are making a difference in the lives of Long Islanders each and every day. This well help change that."

Over the past year, the Nassau Red Cross has seen a 60-percent increase in the number of local emergencies requiring its assistance - mainly house fires. Because it is a nonprofit, it relies on the support of individuals and organizations like the Islanders.

"It's important that the Islanders take a leadership position in the community whenever possible. We have the unique ability to use our game nights as great fundraising events, while bringing a very high level of awareness to some of the most important cause-related programs on Long Island," said Chris Dey, President of the New York Islanders. "The Red Cross is important to Long Island and we're proud to include them as a part of this year's Hockey With a Heart campaign."

As part of its efforts, the Islanders will promote the Red Cross throughout the season through public service announcements featuring New York Islanders defenseman, Bruno Gervais as well as an on-line, print, radio and TV campaign. This marks Bruno Gervais' second straight year of involvement with the Red Cross efforts.

"I am a proud supporter of the American Red Cross," Gervais said. "You can not say thank you enough for all the work they do and I look forward to my continued work with the organization this upcoming season."

A limited number of discounted tickets are available for purchase from the Nassau Red Cross. Visit www.nassauredcross.org or call (516) 747-3500 to learn more about this special event.