Food Drives in West Islip

Giving back to others that are less fortunate is a staple during the holiday season.   And during the next couple weeks, that's exactly what folks in the neighborhood plan on doing. 

holds food drives regularly, but said they were accepting special Thanksgiving donations that they will dole out to their clients. 

"We could really use anything and everything, from diapers on up," a church outreach spokesperson said.  "We have clients that come to us all the time.  Hopefully we'll get them turkeys and everything, to make sure they have a nice Thanksgiving."

You don't have to be a parishioner to contribute either.  The church said they'll be glad to take food from anybody.  Donations can be made at the outreach office, which is located across the street from the playground on Hunter Avenue.

Here are other places that are running food drives:

• : Seventh and eighth graders can drop off their donations between 7:45-8:00 a.m. in the front lobby.  Drive will continue until Nov. 22. 
• : Students should bring their donations with them to homeroom.  The drive ends and will be collected Friday, Nov. 19.

• : Sponsored by WALK Radio to benefit Long Island Cares, Inc.  To volunteer, contact Amy Datkun (Volunteer Coordinator) at 631-582-FOOD (ext. 119) or adatkun@licares.org
• : The WIIT Council is running a food drive for all local food pantries.  Please donate non-perishable items in the box located near the Circulation Desk. 
• : Runs Nov. 18-23.  Make sure each bag contains the following: two cans of canned yams, two cans of canned green beans, one can of cranberry sauce, one box of stuffing, one can of gravy, dessert (optional).

Long Island Cares, Inc. has compiled a list of non-perishable foods that are "most needed" at this time.

• Cereal
•  Juice (Plastic Containers)
• Shelf-Stable
• Milk
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Rice
• Kidney Beans
• Macaroni & Cheese
• Pasta
• Canned Fish
• Canned Vegetables
• Canned Fruits
• Canned Soups
• Jello and Pudding
• Cookies and Crackers
• Granola and Nuts
• Pancake/Cake Mix
• Condiments
• Canned Meat

If you know of any other places that are holding food drives, please email A.J. Voelpel (anthonyv@patch.com) so he can add to the list.