There’s much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and for many Long Islanders that will be exactly the focus of today as families gather around the dinner table, likely carving turkeys and passing the sides, exchanging stories and smiles as the island slowly eases out of it’s post-Sandy recovery mode.
Every year a handful of Long Island’s charitable organizations offer free Thanksgiving dinners to those in need, but this year, with more Long Islanders than ever without a home, electric, heat or a place to prepare a dinner due to damages left by Sandy, these organizations have been scrambling to prepare even larger portions to accommodate the increased need.
If you, or someone you know is expecting to miss out on a warm Thanksgiving meal, there is definitely a seat at a table on Long Island for anyone in need. Check out this list of free Thanksgiving meals available in your area:
Bay Shore - Pronto of Long Island, 128 Pine Aire Dr., 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
AMVETS 76, 44 W. Main St., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Babylon - Monsoon Asian Kitchen and Lounge, 48 Deer Park Ave., 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. (for Babylon residents only, please call in advance: 631-587-4400)
Central Islip - Knights of Columbus, 62 Carlton Ave., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Copaigue - Circle of Love Ministry, 20 Reith St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lake Grove - Thee Gather Inn, 792 Hawkins Ave., 1:30 p.m.
Lindenhurst - Fireside Saloon, 216 W. Montauk Hwy., noon.
St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 36 E. John St., 1 p.m.
Medford - Harrison Hale Community Cafe, 61 Shirley Lane, noon to 3 p.m.
Rocky Point - Invited Inn, 716 Rte. 25A, 1 p.m.
Ronkonkoma - AMVETS Post 48, 115 Church St., noon to 4 p.m.
Wyandanch - Bread of Life Fellowship, 1345 Straight Path, 2 to 5 p.m.
East Rrockaway - Bethany Congregational Church, 100 Main St., 1 to 4 p.m.
St. Raymond of Penyafort Church, 263 Atlantic Ave., noon to 3 p.m.
Freeport - Freeport Recreation Center, 130 E. Merrick Rd., 5 to 9 p.m.
Glen Cove - North Shore Inn, 7 Continental Place, noon.
Hempstead - The Mary Brennan Inn Soup Kitchen, 100 Madison Ave., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Island Park - Presented by Carlyle on the Green at Sacred Heart Parish Center, 301 Long Beach Rd., 1 p.m. for residents of Island Park Village and Harbor Isle, 4 p.m. for residents of Barnum Isle
Long Beach - Presented by Swingbellys BBQ, Long Beach Ice Arena, 150 W. Bay Dr., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Serata South Restaurant, 777 W. Beech St., noon to 4 p.m. (for Long Beach residents)
Young Israel of Long Beach, 120 Long Beach Blvd., 4 to 7 p.m.
Massapequa - Manor East Caterers, 201 Jerusalem Ave., noon to 8 p.m.
Oceanside - Oceanside High School Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner, 3160 Skillman Ave., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Port Washington - La Piccola Liguria, 47 Shore Rd., noon to 3 p.m. (Please call ahead for reservations: (516) 767-6490)
