After Sandy, Need Is Greater At Annual Turkey Drive On Long Island

BETHPAGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Because of Superstorm Sandy, there are many new faces in need of food assistance this year at the Island Harvest food drive in Bethpage.

WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs On The Story

Normally, they provide food to about 300,000 Long Islanders during the holidays. This year, the numbers have skyrocketed.

More: 5 Great Ways To Give Back After Hurricane Sandy

"I met three people in the past week alone who came up to our truck looking for food and told me that they were normally contributors to Island Harvest and food donors and had never expected to be on the other side of the truck," said Island Harvest CEO Randi Dresner.

The need has never been greater, says Dresner, and the givers are turning out there.

"Those people are still struggling and the thousands of people whose homes were devastated by the hurricane and the storm are really struggling this year and many of them just have no idea if they're going to be able to have a holiday meal this year," she said.

And as CBS 2's Ann Mercogliano reports, some folks don't even have a home to celebrate the holiday in, thanks to Sandy.

Rob Suarez, his wife and their three children, had just finished rebuilding after Irene when Sandy barreled through their town of Freeport, Long Island.

Though he lost everything, Suarez will be volunteering at the Food Drive.

The drive continues until 6:00 p.m. outside Bethpage Federal Credit Union on South Oyster Bay Road.

You can bring a frozen turkey or make another donation, and it will be very much appreciated.

Island Harvest
IslandHarvest.org
You can text "Hunger Relief" to 266 266
Or call 516-294-8528 | 631-873-4775