Community Corner

Local Places To Donate Food For Thanksgiving

Local charities and drives happening around Port Jefferson this year.

Monica Rose Gleberman's profile picture
Monica Rose Gleberman, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

It has been a hard year for many families as they struggle to put food on the table in time for Thanksgiving. However, during the holidays many residents come together to donate that extra can of string beans or that box of stuffing.

Incase you aren't sure where you can donate, here is a list of some of the local places currently accepting holiday donations:

  • Panera Bread

The Panera Bread in Port Jefferson Station, on Nesconset Highway, is once again serving as a designated drop-off site for Island Harvest Food Bank’s annual Turkey & Trimmings Collection Campaign. 

To lend a helping hand this holiday season, Panera Bread is asking its neighbors to donate frozen turkeys and non-perishable food items at any of its 24 Long Island bakery-cafes on or before December 24, 2013. 

According to Randi Shubin Dresner, president and CEO of Island Harvest, nearly 300,000 Long Islanders, including 110,000 children struggle with food insecurity and depend on the Island Harvest network of emergency food providers. That's one out of every 10 Long Islanders.

Donations of frozen turkeys and non-perishable food items can be dropped off from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. at any Nassau or Suffolk county Panera Bread now through December 24.


  • Local Food Banks
Sometimes it can be as simple as doing a quick computer search. One company that has been working hard collecting donations for years for a variety of holidays is the American Food Bank.

This year is no different. To help make Thanksgiving possible for a number of families the non-profit organization is putting up local donation sites all over the country. To find the one closest to your home click here.

  • Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop, has teamed up with Island Harvest Food Bank in this year's Turkey and Trimmings Collection Campaign to help supply a holiday style meal to those in need.

By purchasing a $10 pre-packaged box, available at any Long Island Stop & Stop store throughout November and December, customers will help Island Harvest provide struggling families and individuals with all of the items necessary for a holiday dinner.

Long Islanders are also encouraged to donate a turkey, supermarket turkey coupons, non-perishable food items, supermarket gift cards or money to Island Harvest. 

  • Open Cupboard
Mayor Garant joined Victoria of Open Cupboard Food Pantry at Infant Jesus to reach out to all residents who who either are in need this Holiday Season or can donate non perishable food, clothing or other household items. 

In a tour with Victoria, Garant shows what the pantry stocks, how you can help, and where the food goes. Victoria said the need for pantry items has grown as much as 35 percent over the past couple of years so donations are a must to keep the pantry service alive.

If you would like to help, just stop by 110 Hawkins Ave in Port Jefferson or call 631-331-6145 for more information. 


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