Give back this Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving approaching, the Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services and Lighthouse Mission in Bellport are calling on community members to make sure that every family will have a holiday meal.

The annual Thanksgiving food drive is now in progress, gathering nonperishable items as well as materials to prepare meals for local families in need.

The main fundraising event will be held at King Kullen, at 440 Sunrise Highway in Patchogue, on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. To gather both food and money donations, Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services employees and volunteers will be located outside the store.

Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services has long been an anchor in the community, offering everything from family counseling to youth programs. Their yearly Thanksgiving food drive has grown to be a beloved community tradition that connects the community in helping those experiencing shortages of food.

Bellport’s Lighthouse Mission is also taking Thanksgiving donations to support families in need.

Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lighthouse Mission, 1543 Montauk Highway, Bellport, NY 11713. The deadline for all donations is Saturday, Nov. 15.

All donations are used directly to supply Thanksgiving meals to struggling Long Island families.

The best of the community is brought out by these events. Families, students and local organizations work together each year to ensure that no one is left without a Thanksgiving meal. One food item leaves a significant impact.

Organizers are looking for classic Thanksgiving food, such as canned gravy, canned corn and green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, cornbread mix, pie crusts and canned pie filling, canned yams, mashed potatoes and mac and cheese.

Before the Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services food drive, nonperishable food donations can also be made at the Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services office, which is located at 390 Bay Avenue in Patchogue. Those who are unable to attend in person can visit pmycs.org or call 631-758-4100 for more information or to donate money.

The needs of families experiencing food insecurity as a result of growing grocery prices and housing costs are met by initiatives like the Patchogue-Medford Youth and Community Services Food Drive.

The number of families supported is directly impacted by the yearly participation in the community. The organization hopes to surpass last year’s Thanksgiving food distribution in Patchogue, Medford, and the surrounding area.

As shelves stock up and the donation date of Nov. 9 approaches, organizers emphasize that even small donations can make an important impact.

Thanksgiving is a time for everyone to come together and make sure everyone has something to be grateful for.