We may be fortunate and probably will be surrounded by relatives or friends, sharing delicious meals, or just having fun. But many times, our luck does not allow us to see beyond our reality and we take for granted that other people are as privileged as we are.
We forget that poverty is an every day concern in many of our neighborhoods, here on Long Island.
Fortunately, there are still those of noble hearts, capable of motivating others to help for the needy.
That is the case of everyone who is part of ‘Feed the Need South Shore,’ an organization with the mission to bring a meal to the poor on Thanksgiving Day. This action of solidarity begun three years ago and since then, they have been able to help hundreds of people living in Brentwood, Bay Shore and Central Islip, giving them food and clothes.
This year, Feed the Need will continue with this noble initiative with an event on Thanksgiving morning at Ross Memorial Park in Brentwood starting at 10:00 a.m.
Local restaurants and delis will bring hot meals and volunteers will be serving food to those in need. They will also distribute jackets, gloves, hats, socks, blankets, and more.
“Everybody will have a meal on Thanksgiving Day,” said Deborah Kirnon, Founder and CEO of Feed the Need South Shore.
There will also be music, entertainment and special guests. Volunteers will go around Brentwood, Bay Shore and Central Islip in their vans to pick up people in need and take them to the event.
Last year Feed the Need was able to help approximately 1,700 people, and this year they expect a similar amount.
But a few days before Thanksgiving more donations are needed. They are asking for mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, pastas, canned food, bottles of water, utensils, plates and more.
“It is a four day weekend and we are trying to give to people the most we can and we will also give bags with canned food so they can take home,” Kirnon said.
However, the mission of Feed the Need is more than that. They are constantly asking for donations during the winter season. They go out at least once a month around the community in search of the needy to give them food and coats.
“Many times we don’t realize that there are many homeless people in Brentwood, Bay Shore and Central Islip, that we will be surprised,” Kirnon mentioned.
If you would like to be a volunteer for this event or give a donation, call Deborah Kirnon at (631) 336-6427.
