ANNUAL CLOTHING, COSTUME & BEAR DRIVE

            National Red Ribbon Week is a time to reflect on our continued commitment to healthy bodies and healthy minds.  Unfortunately, some children in our neighboring communities need us to help with what they are lacking.  Helping Hands in West Islip, Inc., a tax-exempt charity founded in 1990, will be accepting donations of new and clean, gently used winter clothing for children and adults and children’s Halloween costumes, all to be distributed to local families who are struggling in today’s economy. Items will be collected on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 by 9:30am at the American Legion Hall, 340 Union Boulevard, West Islip (across from the firehouse).  All clothing should be in shopping bags labeled with sex and size.

            Rather than putting clothes in a drop box, someone will feel personally cared about when you spend time and effort preparing your donation. New dress outfits are also sought for the upcoming holidays. Often times it is the first new clothing the child (or adult) has ever received. And who doesn’t smile picturing a child wearing a Halloween costume their parents could never afford?  If you can’t donate clothing but would like to help, please put a ribbon, candy and a “happy day” note on a small teddy bear for distribution to folks of all ages at local soup kitchens and homeless shelters, it means a lot to them to know they are not forgotten.

            More information can be found at www.freewebs.com/hhinwi or jengallozzi@optonline.net