’Tis the season of giving

With holiday time upon us, many people have giving on their minds. We make shopping lists for family members and friends. Does Dad want a tie? Would Mom like a new necklace? What’s the latest toy to get for little Sis? Who’d like tickets to the movies or a baseball game next season? We enjoy the tradition of giving gifts to our loved ones, remembering those who give us joy and love throughout the year.

But also at this time of year, it’s important to think of those who have little, who may get no gifts at all. Children in our midst go hungry, not only now but year-round.

These days, more families than ever have a breadwinner out of work. Food banks and charities have erstwhile donors coming to their doors seeking help. Many children will find out that gifts are an unaffordable luxury.

There are many ways to help those who are less fortunate. Food, warm clothing, blankets and toys are always needed to make the holidays better for our needy neighbors.

Island Harvest, the largest hunger relief organization on Long Island, is reporting a steep increase in demand for food this year. For Thanksgiving, Island Harvest received a request for 42,000 turkeys — 60 percent more than last year. Randi Shubin Dresner, president of the organization, said the demand for food will remain high through Christmas.

If everyone gives at the level they did last year, Dresner said, Island Harvest will be unable to meet the increased demand. And that could leave many of the 550 nonprofit relief organizations Island Harvest serves with dangerously low food supplies. Those organizations, which include soup kitchens and food pantries, are assisting about 285,000 people this year, according to Dresner.

Island Harvest has food drop-off locations throughout Nassau County, with many participating restaurants and businesses. Donations are accepted at Panera Bread, Citibank, 7-Eleven, Cactus Salons and Bristal Assisted Living centers. Island Harvest also accepts monetary donations, which help to fuel its trucks and pay for volunteers’ training and advocacy efforts. And of course, Dresner says, volunteers are always welcome.

The Interfaith Nutrition Network of Hempstead, which helps hungry and homeless Long Islanders, aids 19 soup kitchens and three homeless shelters. In addition to food, it accepts winter clothing, including jackets, hats, gloves and scarves, as well as blankets, new toys and gift cards.

Just as donations to Island Harvest are distributed locally, most communities have their own food pantries and outreach centers that need help. Those donations help people close to home — maybe even your neighbors.

The U.S. Marine Corps is hosting its annual Toys for Tots Drive, with collection boxes set up throughout local communities. A donation to Toys for Tots can make the holiday season brighter for a child who might not otherwise get any gifts.

Unemployment is high, but even many families with steady incomes are struggling to make ends meet. No one should go hungry or cold this holiday season. Every child should be able to experience the pure joy of unwrapping a new toy meant just for them.

We hope those who are more fortunate will remember those in your community who are not, and give what you can this holiday season. And when the holidays are over, don’t forget that there are still months ahead when food and clothing donations are needed just as much. Keep the giving spirit going strong into the new year. You don’t have to look very far to give.

Where you can give locally

Island Harvest

Monetary donations can be made online using your Visa, MasterCard or American Express card at www.islandharvest.org.
Checks and money orders can be sent to
Island Harvest, 199 Second Street, Mineola, N.Y. 11501.
To volunteer, call (516) 294-8528.

Interfaith Nutrition Network (the INN)
Donations can be made online at www.the-inn.org or mailed to 211 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, N.Y. 11550.

Long Island Cares
The Harry Chapin Food Bank is seeking volunteers to assist with its 18th annual Check Out Hunger Campaign, a partnership between Long Island Cares and area supermarkets. Volunteers will help set up and maintain Check Out Hunger Supplies at stores in their local communities. In our area, help is needed at Pathmark in East Rockaway. For more information, call Tina at (516) 582-FOOD (3663).