Across Oyster Bay and the neighboring communities on the North Shore, hundreds of residents work together behind the scenes to support their neighbors, promote local businesses, and sustain the cultural life and heritage of the historic region. Whether hosting community events, supporting their fellow nonprofit organizations, or giving a warm meal to family in need, the people of Oyster Bay continue to give back to others and leave the hamlet better than they found it.
1. Revitalizing downtown with the Main Street Association
The Oyster Bay Main Street Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a healthy economy in an attractive hamlet while maintaining the historic integrity of downtown Oyster Bay.
Founded in 2001 by local residents and business-owners, the organization grew from efforts to prevent the historic downtown from declining. Since then, it has helped more than 70 businesses revitalize their storefronts and organized community events to bring activity to Main Street.
Today, the association focuses on preservation, beautification, community engagement and economic development. It includes clean-up days, landscaping and public projects and events. To learn more, visit OysterBayMainStreet.org.
2. Supporting neighbors at the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation of Oyster Bay has been supporting local residents since 1965, when it was formed by a group of residents including Ethel Roosevelt Derby, youngest daughter of Theodore Roosevelt. The foundation raises money for charitable, philanthropic and benevolent organizations that promote the welfare of residents in need in Oyster Bay and surrounding communities.
The foundation’s history includes supporting programs in social services, education, food security and mental and social welfare. Its support includes annual grants as well as emergency funding when organizations or community members face an immediate need including provide housing stability for families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Go to OysterBayCF.org.
3. Helping neighbors through People Loving People
People Loving People works directly with community members through its Oyster Bay food pantry, the People’s Pantry, at 123 Audrey Ave. The pantry opened in August 2019 and operates as a client-choice pantry, offering fresh produce, meat, canned goods, fresh bread and desserts. It serves community members in Oyster Bay, Locust Valley, East Norwich, Bayville and Syosset.
The organization describes its work as ordinary people doing extraordinary things through love and compassion for the community. Its mission includes assisting people in need, while its fundraising efforts support the pantry and other services.
For more information, visit PeopleLovingPeople.net.
