Holiday Food Drive Season Kicks Off On Long Island

BETHPAGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- Donations for the Sixth Annual Bethpage Turkey Drive came rolling in Tuesday at Bethpage Federal Credit Union's main branch on South Oyster Bay Road.

Island Harvest volunteers say one in 10 Long Islanders will go hungry this holiday season.

"No family on Long Island should go hungry," Farmingdale resident Susan Alebrande said. "We take care of everybody and we have to take care of our own."

Island Harvest volunteers hope to feed more than 300,000 people this holiday season -- 100,000 of those are children.

"We're feeding enough to fill Citi Field two times and there'd still be a line out the door," said Randi Shubin Dresner, president of Island Harvest.

To help the hungry, Long Islanders donate frozen turkeys, non-perishable food items and even give cash donations.

"We can leverage those funds and purchase food and supplies for people in need," Dresner said.

Determined locals hope to beat expectations and feed even more people.

"We brought a nice big turkey and lots of canned donations," said Floral Park resident Gina Digiammarco.

"Just trying to help out as much as we can," said Floral Park resident Kim Vanhouten.

Those donating have a message for fellow Long Islanders looking to help:

"Do it. Don't hesitate, do it," Alebrande said.

Volunteers will be collecting donations until 6 p.m. Tuesday in Bethpage.

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