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Marines Help Unload Food Donations At Island Harvest

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - The U.S. Marines were on Long Island Thursday to help spread some holiday cheer.

As WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs reported, a few dozen Marines recently back from Afghanistan stopped by Mineola-based Island Harvest Thursday to help unload and distribute food to the needy.

The Marines unloaded more than 2,000 turkeys donated by Stop & Shop for the upcoming holidays.

Marines Help Unload Food Donations At Island Harvest

"To be able to help them even just a little bit is something that myself and the guys here are all proud that we can do that," a Marine sergeant told Xirinachs.

Island Harvest said there is a great need for donations this year.

"300,000 people is about one in every 10 Long Islanders. That's quite a bit," Island Harvest CEO Randi Dresner told Xirinachs.

She said many of those in need this year are still recovering from superstorm Sandy.

"They're not in their homes. If they're in their homes, they're using up every dime that they have just to fix up their houses. They don't have the extra money to pay for a holiday meal," she told Xirinachs.

Island Harvest is Long Island's largest hunger relief organization, according to the group's website. The organization is urging those who can help to donate frozen turkeys, non-perishable and canned goods, gift cards or money.

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