By ANTHONY BOTTAN
Local Boy Scout troops, schools and churches have done their share to help those in need.
But those who run Valley Stream food pantries say that it is the period after the holidays that worries them the most. "Christmas and Thanksgiving are times of giving," said Sister Margie Kelly of Holy Name of Mary, who runs the church's food pantry. "While we are grateful for the response, my concern is that the economy and personal finances may impact the amount of food that comes in after the holidays."
Kelly said that Valley Stream residents have come out in droves this year to support the pantry. She noted that though people are giving less than they have in recent years, more people are giving, which helps keep the facility in good shape. Kelly said the pantry is still in need of everyday items like cereal, canned goods, chocolate, pastas and sauces.
Though she does not have a way to measure how much food has been collected, Kelly said, "The bags and boxes are pretty heavy, which is a good thing." She added that people who are in need of help from the pantry need only call the church to be put on a list, and food will be delivered to their home. Kelly noted that she also sits down with families to discuss their finances and to tell them about programs - like social services and food stamps - that are available to help.
"Job loss is a major factor," Kelly said of the increase in the ranks of families that need help. "Add that to the ongoing problems of single parents and the increase of food and gas, without an increase in salary."
Lisa Blackman, the morning and afternoon teacher of the Enrichment After School Everyday program at Howell Road Elementary School, helped her students host a carnival to raise money for the Holy Name of Mary pantry. She said the kids raised about $120, which they used to buy turkeys, canned goods and other nonperishable items. Blackman said Kelly was taken aback by the students' generosity, and the kids learned a valuable lesson. "The children decided to do this ... it was really touching," Blackman said. "They all learned it was better to give than receive."
Judy Miccio, who oversees the pastoral outreach program at Blessed Sacrament, said the pantry at the church is serving 72 more families than it did last year. They are extremely busy, she said, crediting the parishioners as well as food drives hosted by Central High School and Shaw Avenue Elementary School. "The response so far has been unbelievable," Miccio said. "Just knowing how many people go to bed hungry ... we have gotten so much food back. The people here are great."
Miccio added that any family, even if they don't attend Blessed Sacrament, is welcome to use the food pantry. "Anyone that is looking for food is getting it," she said. "We won't let anyone go hungry." Miccio noted that the facility also gives food vouchers to families in need, who can use them at local supermarkets to buy food for the holidays.
Miccio said she has seen an increase in senior citizens using the pantry, and believes the economy has a lot to do with it.
She has the same worry as Kelly. "My biggest concern is after the holidays," Miccio said. "Everyone is in a giving mood, but after the holidays, it slacks off a bit because people have their own bills coming in."
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