Thanksgiving Turkey Donations

By Mike Stevens

While there is still plenty to give thanks for, several hundred Long Island families may have to go without a Turkey dinner this year.

I found that out when I went to the Lighthouse Mission in Patchogue, Wednesday, and saw half empty food shelves and  trucks that used to be overflowing with food -- now half empty.

The mission has been feeding needy families for 17 years, but now says it does not have enough food to go around this holiday season. According to Pastor James Ryan, 1,200 to 1,500 families will be expecting to get a turkey and trimmings this year, but they have only enough food to feed 400 of them.   

The mission says it's not so much that people are donating less, it's that the need is greater. More families are barely making ends meet, because prices for just about everything have risen so high and there's high unemployment.

At one of the locations where the mission gives out food throughout the year, I met a woman named Sheryl from Central Islip. Her husband has been out of work 4 years. She says if it weren't for the mission, they might not survive. 

The Lighthouse mission says don't assume your next door neighbor has enough to eat -- they may not. The mission says there are many 'Sheryl's' out there and many are too proud to ask for help. The mission and its volunteers are hoping more people will step up, and share food for the holidays, during these very tough economic times.

To make a donation call 631 758 7584, or email at [email protected]