As the holiday season came to a close, the Rockville Centre Public Library wrapped up its Warm Winter Mitten, Glove and Scarf Drive, providing much-needed cold-weather essentials to local families through a partnership with the Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre.
The village rallied behind the effort, to help ensure that Long Islanders will have access to warm clothing during the winter months.
“These efforts reflect Rockville Centre’s strong sense of compassion and shared responsibility,” library Director Susan Finck wrote in an email. “Residents recognize the challenges facing families locally and beyond, and they respond with generosity and care.”
The Hispanic Brotherhood collected more than 50 winter clothing items during the drive, which were distributed through its senior and after-school tutoring programs. In addition, the library donated seven Kindles from its collection to the organization last month, supporting access to reading and learning in the community.
“We got a multitude of things,” Hispanic Brotherhood Director Marguerite Keller said. “We got coats, gloves, hats, scarves. It was a very nice donation, and we put it right out for our senior program and for our parents program, and everything went fast.”
The Hispanic Brotherhood offers support programs for residents of all ages. One key initiative is its senior lunch and nutrition program, which operates three days a week and provides hot meals, nutrition education, recreational activities and exercise options such as yoga. Donated food and essential items are also available for participants to take home.
In the afternoons, the organization runs an after-school tutoring program for elementary students from Rockville Centre and Oceanside. Children are transported from school to the Hispanic Brotherhood in Rockville Centre, where they work with tutors, and are picked up by 6 p.m.
“The Hispanic Brotherhood has a long-standing history of serving families across Long Island and deep connections within the communities most impacted by food and housing insecurity,” Finck wrote. “Partnering with them ensures that donated items are distributed efficiently and reach those who need them most.”
Beyond its scheduled programs, the organization also welcomes walk-ins, to whom assistance and donations are made available as well.
“What always surprises me is the need of the community, and how fast those donations go to the people who need them,” Keller said. “Within hours they’re gone, so the need is there. And the Rockville Centre community comes out and supports us in spectacular ways, and we make sure it gets to the ones who need it most.”
The library has hosted Holiday Community Giving drives since 2022, giving residents opportunities to support their neighbors throughout the year. Each drive is timed to address seasonal needs.
“What consistently stands out is the care behind the donations,” Finck wrote. “Community members often purchase new items specifically for the drives or carefully select gently used ones in excellent condition. Additionally, we also love that we can donate gently used books that have been contributed by our generous community members to Love, Nana by Backyard Players & Friends.”
“Love, Nana” is a community service project by Backyard Players & Friends that collects gently used baby clothes, books and accessories to support families in need. The initiative provides skills training and a meaningful volunteer experience for participants, who sort, wash and assemble each bundle with care. These baby bundles are distributed to hospitals, schools and social service agencies across Long Island, the five boroughs, Westchester and New Jersey, ensuring they reach families who need them most.
The library also hosts a Give Thanks by Giving Back food drive each November, benefiting Sharon’s Food Pantry at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. In December, the focus shifts to winter wear with the Warm Winter Drive, and the library also partnered with Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis on a coat drive that provided donations to the Hispanic Brotherhood and the Mary Brennan INN.
“Rising living costs have made it increasingly difficult for many families to meet basic needs such as food and warm clothing,” Finck wrote. “These drives help ease that burden during the winter months while reinforcing the message that the community is here to support one another.”
As 2026 begins, the library plans to continue its seasonal giving efforts. For more information, visit RVCLibrary.org.
