Where to Volunteer This Holiday Season in Malverne, West Hempstead and Lynbrook

Looking to help out those less fortunate this holiday season? Here are some local opportunities. If you are in need, several pantries are listed below.

American Water Food Drive

New York American Water encourages everyone to join them in assisting those in need this holiday season, as the company is sponsoring a food drive that will help Long Island Cares feed the hungry in local communities. Food can be dropped off at the Lynbrook building at 733 Sunrise Highway.

“We have collection boxes at our locations in Lynbrook, Merrick and Sea Cliff,” said Vice President of Operations Brian Bruce. “We hope those members of our community who can, will join our employees in filling these such that we will need more boxes.”

Rock and Wrap It Up Feast

Cedarhurst-based anti-poverty organization Rock and Wrap It Up will host its 23rd annual Thanksgiving Feast on Thanksgiving from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In the past, the feast provided over 600 meals to residents of the Five Towns and Rockaways in need. The First Congregational Church of Rockaway on Beach 94th Street will once again host the meal. Take out service is provided and free taxi service is available. Kosher meals are available with advanced notice.

Local establishments, including Mother Kelly’s, Friendlier and The Seawane Club, will cook the turkeys. Apple and Eve of Port Washington donated all of the juice. Walls’ Bakery provides cake and pastries. Michelle and Edward Schorenstein donated all of the turkeys and hams. Bellmore-Merrick Schools and Merrill Lynch of Hewlett provide funding and volunteers. The Bagelry and Starbucks provide breakfast for morning volunteers.

Over 150 volunteers have already signed up, but volunteer opportunities are still available from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Donations are needed to continue the work of Rock and Wrap It Up! Call 516-295-0670 for more information or to donate.

Skelos’ Toy and Clothing Drive

Sen. Dean Skelos will be collecting new winter clothes and new unwrapped toys for children in need at his district office in Rockville Centre.

Donations can be dropped off at 55 Front St. on or before Dec. 16. For any questions, Skelos’ office can be contacted at (516) 766-8383.

“With so much to be thankful for, we should not forget those who are less fortunate than us or who may have fallen on hard times,” Skelos said. “There are people within our community who are in need of help, especially during the holiday season, and together we can make a difference.”

Food Pantries

• Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Malverne provides a food pantry on Tuesdays and Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. It is located at 65 Wright Ave. in Malverne.

• Mercy First of West Hempstead’s pantry is open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at  60 Hempstead Ave. 516-873-9191

• The Hispanic Brotherhood of Rockville Centre is in need of turkeys to be given to families in need. Turkeys can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 59 Clinton Ave. Toys are also being collected for the Three Kings celebration on Jan. 5 at the Rockville Centre recreation center.

• The JCC of the Greater Five Towns kosher food pantry is located in Woodmere. Any residents in need of food or those who would like to volunteer to deliver supplies can contact the JCC at 516-569-6733.