When the Giving Stops

By Shari Einhorn

I've spent the last few days working on a series called "When the Giving Stops."  First of all, I have to say I really hope that never happens -- and honestly I don't think it will.

When it comes to taking care of each other, I think we all have to play a part.  It doesn't matter how much you have -- or how much you give -- just as long as you do what you can to help those who can't help themselves!

In Patchogue, I met a homeless couple who came in to The Lighthouse Mission for help.  They politely and understandably declined to speak on camera telling me it would only make things more difficult with their families.  

I also met Sonny who describes himself as homeless.  He's currently staying with the person he does housework for.  He has so much gratitude for the folks that help him -- that he volunteers at the mission.  He told me "If everybody would pitch in and do their part" the help would be around forever.

There was Regina from Huntington Station -- a single mother of 2 who said without the food she gets from the local church food pantry, she would not be able to feed her family.  When food runs low -- she makes sure her kids eat first because in her words "That's what mothers do.  You love your kids and you put them first no matter what the situation is."

I spoke to a woman with several kids in the car who wanted to know if and when turkeys were going to be handed out for Thanksgiving.  If she doesn't get one as a donation -- she won't have one!

At the INN in Hempstead, we found out that they served a hot meal to 475 people this past Monday.  The room capacity is only about 200 -- so they feed people in shifts.  The volunteers now come in earlier and stay later -- just to accommodate the crowd!

According to Island Harvest, which supplies food to most if not all of the food pantries and soup kitchens on the island -- there are 1/4 million Long Islanders who rely on emergency food programs to help feed their families.  That was two years ago -- no doubt the numbers are much higher now.  The agency usually collects 1 million pounds of food between November 1 and the end of December.  

I'll end with a quote from Rich from Huntington Station.  He used to donate small change and clothing -- now he's the one in need.  He told me "What goes around comes around."

Here's a list of some organizations in need of donations.  Click on each one to get to their homepage and find out what specific items are being sought after.

Island Harvest

The Interfaith Nutrition Network  

The Lighthouse Mission

Long Island Cares 

Marine Corps Toys for Tots

Please do whatever you can to help!  Thanks!

Shari