By DEBBIE ROSEN
Rotarians collected staple items, such as canned food, pastas, cereals, flour and sugar. Additionally, the Interact Club, the Oceanside High School arm of the Rotary Club, had volunteers scheduled and in place throughout the course of the weekend. Student volunteers were on hand handing out flyers and collecting food.
The Oceanside Community Service Organization and chamber of commerce assisted Rotarians in their efforts, providing funding for perishable items. The job could not be accomplished without the help of local merchants such as, Stuff n Bagels, Dunkin Donuts and the Oceanside Star Diner, who provided warm beverages and food for volunteers.
This year's food drive was run by David Brodie, Dr. Jeffrey Finklestein and Nassau County Legislator Jeffrey Toback. Over the course of the past 13 years, the club raised more than 40,000 canned items, over 42,000 pounds of grain, pasta, flour, and sugar and has helped in excess of 2,500 people in the community.
As in the past, all food collected will be distributed to families in need during Valentine's Day weekend 2001.
