Ways for Long Island Families to Give Back During the Holidays

12/8/14 - By Jaime Sumersille

The holiday season is a prime opportunity to teach your children about giving back, empathy and social responsibility. Donating and volunteering are great ways to show them that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.  And there are plenty of ways for Long Island families fulfill their give back goals.

And for more information about seasonal events on Long Island, check out our Holiday Fun Guide.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Toys for Tots

Mrs. Claus for a Cause
Commack
This charity answers letters to Santa Claus written by underprivileged children living in New York City. All donations go toward purchasing gifts and wrapping materials. This is a grass roots effort by Commack resident Jennifer Scully, who still has more than 230 wish lists to fulfill this year.

John Theissen Children’s Foundation
1881 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh
516-679-3338
In addition to fulfilling ill children’s wish list’s throughout the year, the foundation offers sick and needy children toys throughout the holiday season. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are being accepted December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 at various locations. Monetary donations are also accepted.

Kidville Wantagh
1183 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh
516-409-4558
Kidville is accepting new and unwrapped toys or books for The Children's Heart Foundation.

South Fork Natural History Museum
377 Bridgehampton/Sag Harbor Turnpike, Bridgehampton
Members and visitor are encouraged to drop off new and gently-used unwrapped toys through December 19 for children ages infant through early teens. The First Church of God in Christ, The Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center, and the First Baptist Church of Bridgehampton -- all located on the Bridge-Sag Turnpike -- will distribute the toys to children in their communities.  

The Dolphin Bookshop
299 Main Street, Port Washington
516-767-2650
Visit the Angel Tree at Dolphin Bookshop through December 12, select a card inscribed with a child’s name and donate a small gift. Benefiting The Glen Cove Youth Bureau and Family Services of Huntington.

Manhasset Public Library
30 Onderdonk Avenue, Manhasset
Through December 23, bring a new, store-bought, unwrapped gift for a baby, child or teen. The donation box for the Ronald McDonald House will be located on the main floor.

Bounce! Trampoline Sports
310 Michael Drive, Syosset
Through Christmas Eve you will receive an additional half hour jump time free when you bring in a new unwrapped toy for their Toys for Tots campaign.

Check here for various Toys for Tots donation collection locations across Long Island as well.

Donations

#GivingTuesday
A global day dedicated to giving back. While it was slated for Tuesday, December 2 to celebrate generosity, families can donate at anytime.

Food Drives

Island Harvest (199 Second Street, Mineola) and The Lighthouse Mission (1543 Montauk Highway, Bellport) are collecting food for hungry Long Island residents.

Heckscher Museum of Art Holiday Food Drive
2 Prime Avenue, Huntington
631-351-3250
A Partnership with Long Island Cares and The Harry Chapin Food Bank in support of those in need. Donations of food for people and pets are being accepted.  Bring a non-perishable donation to the Museum through December and receive free admission.

Children's Museum of the East End
377 Bridgehampton Turnpike, Bridgehampton
CMEE is collecting non-perishable items to distribute to area food food pantries from now until the end of the year.

Additionally, check local schools, churches and synagogues for their collection needs.

Adopt a Family

Holiday for Kids' Sake Program
Big Brothers Big Sisters Long Island
Organize a gift drive, sponsor a family for $100 or purchase items off the wish list (GAP, Old Navy, Target, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us gift cards. New and unwrapped for teenage boys: electronic games, men's watches, sporting goods/equipment, clothing, board games. New and unwrapped for teenage girls: bath/body gift baskets, costume jewelry, arts/crafts, board games, pocketbooks/purses, clothing. Note: All donations must be received by Dec. 15 for delivery on Dec. 21.
Call 516-731-7880, ext. 227 or email jskala@bbbsli.org

Toys of Hope
167 E 2nd Street, Huntington Station
631-271-TOYS
At Toys of  Hope, you can sponsor a family two ways: By donating any amount from $100 to $2,500, or depending the family size or Toys of Hope can provide you with a list of items requested by the family. You purchase the items and Toys of Hope will deliver them to the family.

Friends of Karen
21 Perry Street, Port Jefferson
631-473-1768
The Friends of Karen Adopt-a-Family Program lets you fulfill the holiday wishes of critically-ill children and their siblings. You may choose to purchase one gift for one child or several gifts.

Blanca’s House
33 Walt Whitman Road, Huntington Station
631-923-1053
Along with the folks at Blanca’s House, you can help ease the burden of struggling families on Long Island. They are receiving donations of clothing, toys, gift cards and other items at the East Setauket storage facility.