The giving season is upon us, with Thanksgiving right around the corner and Christmas on the horizon, which means it’s time to thinking of different ways you can give back to others in need on Long Island. Although any and every time of year is the right time to donate to local charities, now, during the holiday season, is one of the periods when it is most present in our consciousness.
One great way to give a little joy and warmth to people in need is to donate food. While so many Long Islanders will be coming together with their families to feast and break bread in the near future so many other families and individuals are incapable of so because of their disadvantaged positions. By donating food and non-perishable items you make it possible for needy persons to experience the contentment of a full stomach and happiness during the holiday season.
In addition to the food banks listed below, many local churches also operate their own food banks or soup kitchens to aid members of the community.
- Island Harvest – Island Harvest is a food bank on the Island with a mission, “to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island.” They have many food drop locations and you can search on their website for the ones closest to you.
- Long Island Cares Inc. The Harry Chapin Food Bank – While this organization encourages donators to host their own food drives you can also drop off food to one of their food pantry locations in Freeport, Lindenhurst or Huntington Station on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Harvest For The World – This organization is a non-profit organization, serving the disadvantaged populations of Roosevelt, NY and the surrounding towns. E-mail harvestfortheworld1@gmail.com to find out how you can donate food to the cause.
- East Hampton Food Pantry – If you want to help address hunger in the Town of East Hampton e-mail info@easthamptonfoodpantry.org for more information on how you can donate.
Want to do even more good this holiday season? Then check out these other upcoming benefits and charity events going on across Long Island!
Coats For Kids – Brightwaters, NY
Drop by Brightwaters Village Shops between Saturday, November 22nd and Sunday, November 30th to donate your lightly used or new kids and adult coats.
Holiday Toy Drive – Deer Park, NY
While you shop around Tanger Outlets at the Arches don’t forget to stop by Shopper Services between Saturday, November 22nd and Friday, December 19th to drop off a children’s toy for the less fortunate.
Red Cross Blood Donations – Bellport, NY
Go donate blood at the Bellport Country Club on Monday, November 24th between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Donors are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B negative.
Annual Holiday Pet Toy Drive – Bay Shore, NY
Help fill the stockings of over 100 adoptable animals at the Islip Animal Shelter on Saturday, December 13th between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. No raw hide bones please.
“Toys for Teens” Charity Bowling Event – Farmingdale, NY
Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory presents the "Toys for Teens" Charity Bowling Event on Sunday, December 14th. Bring a toy appropriate for ages 11-18. Admission costs $25 at the door for game & refreshments or $15 for refreshments but no game.
Photo by Gabriela Gonzalez via Free Images
