Turkey Donations and the Generosity of Others

By Shari Einhorn

Can you imagine a Thanksgiving meal without a turkey?  Try to -- because without the generosity of others, thousands of Long Islanders could be doing just that.

News 12 Long Island did several stories last week and Newsday ran stories this past weekend -- the focus was the same -- the desperate need for turkeys and other holiday food!

Local food banks and pantries say they've never seen so many people asking for help.  The trouble is -- with so many people in need -- there just isn't enough food to go around.

But as always -- Long Islanders have opened their hearts, their refrigerators and their wallets -- and come to the aid of charities and other organizations trying to help those who so desperately need it.

I was at the Lighthouse Mission in Patchogue on Tuesday.  They needed about 1200 turkeys and trimming bags but only had enough for about 400. 

Well guess what?  Since then -- they've received about 500 more -- that's amazing isn't it?  Pastor Ellen Lewis told me they got 170 turkeys donated on Saturday alone! 

The sad truth is this -- THEY STILL NEED A COUPLE OF HUNDRED MORE!!  We went to a food distribution today and met so many great people -- people just like you and me.  There were more than a hundred people lined up -- there were only 104 turkeys to give out.  Some people did leave empty handed.   

I spoke to Catherine and Simone who said without the food they got here today -- they wouldn't be having a holiday meal.  I met Archie who says his family will now have a beautiful Thanksgiving meal.  In his words -- "Now I don't have to beg, borrow or steal."

You see -- it's more than just a turkey or a bag of trimmings -- it's the chance to be just like everyone else -- thankful for what you have -- no matter how you got it!

There's still time to donate -- either to the Lighthouse Mission or to so many other worthy causes.

Island Harvest

The Interfaith Nutrition Network  

The Lighthouse Mission

Long Island Cares 

Marine Corps Toys for Tots

Thanks in advance for anything you can do!

Shari