Ways to give: Local collections serve those in need this holiday season

While the options to be generous are plentiful this holiday season, the Journal has compiled a short list of ways to give locally, from drop-off donations to fundraising events. If you would like your local holiday collection or event to be included in our Happenings section, please send details to editor@northportjournal.com. 

Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry
The all-volunteer Northport-East Northport Ecumenical Lay Council Food Pantry, located in the bottom level of the First Presbyterian Church on Main Street in Northport, is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and agency of Long Island Cares. The pantry, via community donations,  helps keep almost 200 families (700 people) active and healthy on a consistent basis. Donations of nutritious, non-perishable food items (such as soups, pasta, sauce, canned vegetables, beans, tuna and chicken, breakfast cereal, rice) may be made via a drop box outside the pantry at 330 Main Street. For more information, including how to make monetary donations, visit www.elcfoodpantry.org. 

Toys for Tots at Northport Fire Department
A toy drop box will be located at Northport Fire Department headquarters, near the main entrance, until the middle of December. All donations help Marine Corps League, Detachment 792 of Huntington, collect toys for children this holiday season. More drop boxes for Toys for Tots collection efforts will be at Einstein’s Attic and Tully Law Group, both on Main Street.

NIOT Northport seeks to stock Ramon’s Food Pantry
Multiple generations of Not In Our Town Northport members will be collecting supplies to help stock Ramon’s Food Pantry, located in Northport High School this Sunday, November 24, from 9am to 12pm at the Northport Stop & Shop on Fort Salonga Road. Come say hi and look for signage and collection bins at both of the supermarket’s entrances.  

The Firefly Artists and Island Harvest
In concert with this year’s Leg Lamp Lighting, The Firefly Gallery is kicking off its “Turkey & Trimmings” Collection Campaign on behalf of Island Harvest, Long Island’s leading hunger relief organization, and in memory of Kevin McNeil, a friend of the Firefly, and a disabled veteran who was an incredibly giving person with a deep love for Island Harvest. Bring a donation of non-perishable food, personal care items or grocery gift cards to donation boxes located outside the gallery (90 Main Street, Northport). Monetary donations and grocery gift cards will also be accepted. The campaign will run through December 30.

Deck the Halls House Tour
North Shore Holiday House, a tuition-free summer sleep-away camp, enriches the lives of low-income girls and empowers them to navigate the world ahead. This adults-only fundraiser invites attendees to tour homes decorated for the holiday season and attend a festive sitdown luncheon at Huntington Country Club featuring our signature raffle baskets. Purchase early as seating for lunch is limited. Tour-only tickets are also available. Purchase tickets and get more information here.

RB Homes Collects for Men, Kids
Two drives in one are happening at RB Homes Realty: a diapers and wipes drive for the YDA Adopt a Family collection, as well as a collection for men in need via the Family Service League for personal-size toiletries, as well as thermal shirts, men’s underwear, t-shirts and socks. Drop your donations of any of these items off by December 18; collection boxes will be at RB Homes (131 Scudder Avenue, Northport).