Lynbrook, East Rockaway churches provide Thanksgiving food for those in need

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Lynbrook and East Rockaway churches are providing food and fellowship this Thanksgiving for those who are in need.

In Lynbrook, Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Church, at 25 Fowler Avenue, is collecting food for their pantry from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Nov. 17. Sister Barbara Faber said that the church has already collected more food than she can count.

“We’re blessed with so much food,” she said.

The donations came from businesses such as Crown Ford, on Merrick Road in Lynbrook, and from organizations such as the Lynbrook Police Benevolent Association, which donated $150 worth of turkey, stuffing, vegetables, soups, rice and macaroni and cheese.

“We do it every year around Thanksgiving,” said Brian Paladino, vice president of the Lynbrook PBA. “It’s a reminder to be thankful for what you have and to remember those who maybe aren’t as fortunate as we are.”

Most of the food will go to members of the Lynbrook community who cannot afford a Thanksgiving dinner, according to Faber. Any excess donations will be split evenly between the Mary Brennan Inn in Hempstead, Our Holy Redeemer Church in Freeport and Long Island Cares, Inc. in Freeport. Faber said the Lynbrook Chamber or Commerce and Knights of Columbus also donated food.

Those in need of a Thanksgiving meal can also attend the eighth annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Bethany Congregational Church, at 100 Main Street in East Rockaway, on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 23 from noon. to 3 p.m. The dinner is free and will be comprised of turkey and all the trimmings.

“It’s open to anyone in the community regardless of their status,” said David Carley, co-chair of the church’s board of directors.

Carley also said that there is no limit on how many people can attend the dinner. “[It’s] whatever we can fit in the three hours that we’re open, and if more people come, we’ll stay open longer,” he said.

Anyone who would like to attend the dinner is encouraged to call the church at (516) 599–5768, or email revlu@aol.com so that church officials know how much food to prepare. Those who need transportation to the church are also encouraged to call.