Food Pantries in Need of Donations

With the holidays here and with more people in need, local food pantries are seeking assistance from the community.

"More middle class families are using food banks," Tatiana Perez of Long Island Cares Inc. said. "Children are also a big client base."

Perez said that baby supplies and personal care items are needed most at the moment.

Baby Care Items

• Empty bottles
• Bottle nipples
• Bottle brushes
• Formula
• Boxed cereal
• Shampoo
• Powder and lotions

Personal Care

• Razor/Razor Blades
• Baby and adult diapers
• Combs and brushes
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Wipes
• Feminine hygiene items

Food pantries are also accepting non-perishable foods and household items.

"There are so many people on Long Island who need assistance," Perez said. "Just one can of food can make a big difference.”

Places to Donate

St. Barnabas Paris Outreach - 2320 Bedford Ave., Bellmore, (516) 785-6243. Donations are accepted Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Open Hand of God - 493 East Meadow Ave., East Meadow, (516) 794-4291. Donations are accepted Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Raphael's Roman Catholic Church - 600 Newbridge Road, East Meadow, (516) 308-3808. Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.