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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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Get the latest updates from Long Island Cares on our events, activities in the community, and many others.
Food Drives with Long Island Cares'Gather and Give Initiative
How to get involved in our Gather & Give Food Drives
Gather and Give is Long Island Cares' year-round food drive program which leads with intention and heart. Gather & Give offers seasonal, themed donation lists that make it easy to support your neighbors in meaningful ways—any time of year. Whether you’re gathering with a group or giving on your own, every item you collect brings nourishment and hope to someone in need.
Host an In-person Food Drive
Registering your food drive with Long Island Cares gives you the tools and support for a successful campaign. We provide collection boxes, promotional materials, and guidance, plus easy pickup or drop-off options. Donations may also be tax deductible.
Instructions List
- Fill out the Food Drive Registration Form
- Receive supplies from LIC
- Assemble food collection boxes and posters in high-traffic areas
- Hand out flyers/share on social media
Host a Virtual Food Drive
Registering your virtual food drive with Long Island Cares connects your campaign to our mission and impact. Through partners like #GiveHealthy or YouGiveGoods, you can create a custom page, set goals, and track progress in real time. We provide guidance to help maximize visibility and ensure donations are accurately counted. Virtual drives make it easy for supporters to give from anywhere.
#GiveHealthy Online Fresh Food Drive
- Create an account
- Fill out the Registration Form
- Customize your landing page
- Set your goals
- Share links on social media
YouGiveGoods Food Drive
- Create an account
- Click “Join the Goods-A-Thon”
- Fill out the Registration Form (drive coordinator = yourself)
- Customize your landing page
- Set your goals
- Share links on social media
Virtual Food Donations
A virtual food donation allows you to support a food drive without dropping off items in person. You are able to shop online and purchase specific food items that are shipped directly to Long Island Cares. It’s a simple, convenient way to contribute.
Make your food drive themed for seasons
Gather & Give offers seasonal, themed donation lists that make it easy to support your neighbors in meaningful ways—any time of year. Whether you’re gathering with a group or giving on your own, every item you collect brings nourishment and hope to someone in need.
Winter
Warm Hearts. Fill Plates. Give Hope
ResourcesSpring
Season of Renewal. Acts of Generosity.
ResourcesSummer
Keep Families Fed This Summer.
ResourcesAutumn
New Name. Same Heart. Greater Impact.
ResourcesFrequently Asked Questions & Answers
When can I host a food drive?
You can host a food drive anytime! Long Island Cares accepts donations year-round through our food drive campaign.
What materials do you provide?
We provide sturdy collection boxes and printable posters. You’ll also receive a list for our most-needed items.
How big are the collection boxes?
Our boxes are 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide on all sides. They’re made of durable brown cardboard with our logo printed on them and can hold up to 100 pounds of food.