From Tradition to Transformation:
The Story Behind Gather & Give

October 15 | Isabelle Panza

From Tradition to Transformation: The Story Behind Gather & Give

As government assistance continues to decline and the need in our community grows, we at Long Island Cares found ourselves facing a serious question: How do we keep up?

For years, our Adopt-A-Family campaign was a cherished tradition. Like clockwork, every fall, dedicated donors would knock on our doors asking for the Thanksgiving food drive list. The response was overwhelming—in the best way. Volunteers would spend up to 12 hours a day sorting through mountains of generous donations to ensure every family had a full holiday table.

But as the landscape around us changed, we knew we had to evolve with it.

Today, hunger doesn’t just spike in November. It’s a year-round crisis. Families aren’t just struggling during the holidays, they’re struggling every month to keep food on the table, heat in their homes, and gas in their cars. That reality sparked a transformation.

Introducing Gather & Give, a reimagined version of food drives that meets today’s needs with year-round impact. The campaign still carries the heart and soul of the tradition so many of you love, but it’s now broader, more flexible, and more focused.

Now, you can pick the cause closest to your heart and donate in a way that truly resonates with you:

• Want to help veterans reintegrate into civilian life? We have a list for that.
• Want to ease the anxiety of a child facing lunch without enough food? There’s a list for that too.
• Want to help pets stay with the families who love them? We’ve got you covered.
• And yes—if the holidays still hold a special place in your heart, you can still support families through Thanksgiving and beyond.

Katherine Fritz, President & CEO says about the change, “No one should have to wait for a specific season to feel seen, supported, or fed. Gather & Give reflects our commitment to responding with empathy and purpose, every day of the year.”

Whether you’re giving as a family, an office, a school, or a community group, Gather & Give makes it easy and meaningful. We’ve curated specialized lists for each cause so that you can donate items with purpose—and make a tangible difference.

The need is greater than ever. But so is the power of people like you.