Donate to Long Island Cares and help feed your neighbors in need. Contribute what you can, all donations are welcome
Who We Are
Our Mission
Founded by the late Harry Chapin
Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank has been on a mission to feed Long Islanders facing food insecurity and address its root causes since our founding by the late Harry Chapin in 1980.
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Food Drive
Adopt-a-Family 2024
Sept. 1 - Nov. 15
Give a Meal.
Give Hope.
Adopt-a-Family 2024!
Food is our basic need, but it is not always available in every household as it should be.
This heartfelt initiative aims to provide nourishing meals and hope to those facing hardships during the holiday season.
In 2024, Long Island Cares has seen a staggering 44% increase in visitors to our pantries and supported agencies. This surge in demand has strained our resources, and the upcoming holidays could mean empty shelves.
Together, let’s spread the joy and warmth of Thanksgiving to all families in our community. Your support and generosity will bring smiles to their faces and fill their hearts with gratitude – THANK YOU for being a part of this wonderful cause!
*See below to learn how students can earn one hour of community service.
Click here to download.
Items needed for a full family thanksgiving meal:
We kindly request that you only give us non-perishable items that are either boxed or canned.
- 4 cans of Vegetables (Corn, Carrots, Mixed Vegetables, Green Beans, etc.)
- 4 cans of Fruit (Applesauce, Mixed Fruits, Pineapple, etc.)
- 1 box of Stuffing
- 1 box of Mashed Potato Mix
- 2 cans or packets of Gravy
- 1 can of Cranberry Sauce
- 1 can of Yams
- 1 box of Corn Muffin Mix
- 1 box of a complete dessert mix (Brownie Mix, Cookie Mix, etc.)
- 1 Frozen Turkey, Turkey Breast, or Whole Chicken (protein is optional)
**We accept gift cards to provide holiday foods from different cultures. Please ensure the gift cards have receipts and are NOT stapled to anything.**
Main Drop-off location:
Long Island Cares, Inc. – Center for Community Engagement
75 Davids Drive | Hauppauge, NY 11788
Monday – Friday (8:30 am – 3:30 pm)
Please note we are closed on Monday, October 14, in observance of the holiday.
For important information and other drop-off locations, click here.
Not every Thanksgiving looks the same.
If your family needs help with other holiday foods reflective of your culture, we will do our best to meet your needs. Please email us and let us know which meal you are interested in receiving.
Kosher | Caribbean Islander | Central South American
Did You Know?
*STUDENTS EARN ONE HOUR OF COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR EACH FAMILY THEY ADOPT!
1 Student + 1 Full Adopt-a-Family Meal = 1 hour of Community Service*
*To obtain a service letter, the donated meals must include all the listed items to create a full Thanksgiving meal. Students cannot share hours for the same meal or divide their hours. If students donate multiple meals as a group, they will only receive one letter for the entire donation. Individual letters will only be provided if a student donates a meal independently. Incomplete meals will not qualify for a letter.
Looking for a different way to help?
Consider donating to help Long Island Cares purchase the items needed to provide a full Thanksgiving Meal to your neighbors in need.