is now a food donation site thanks to the initiative of office manager Renée Borgia.
Borgia presented the idea of helping local needy families to fellow staff members at the hospital. When Borgia worked in a hospital in another part of the United States, she and her co-workers sponsored a family in need every year at Christmas time. When she moved to New York, Borgia brought the tradition with her.
After researching different charities and the work of local organizations, Borgia connected with Sister Kathleen of Saint Agnes. At first, Borgia sponsored a family in need on her own, but then realized how more could be provided to those less fortunate if other people got involved.
“Through the animal hospital, I was able to contact more people about the charity work," Borgia said. "I reached out to clients, co-workers, drug reps, food reps and lab reps."
Eventually the holiday season ended and several months passed. During the summer, Borgia began shopping for school supplies for her son and realized how expensive the items can be. Borgia contacted Sister Kathleen and used resources from Hilton Hospital for Animals to help donate school supplies to children in need.
After school began, Sister Kathleen reminded Borgia that people need help every day.
“Sister Kathleen told me that people are hungry all year. So many people only think about the holidays," Borgia said.
The donation box for the food drive is located in the lobby of Hilton Hospital for Animals. The box is presently decorated for fall (reminding people about Thanksgiving), but donations are accepted throughout the year.
All of the food collected from the food drive is brought to the food bank at Saint Agnes. The food bank needs non-perishable items such as canned goods (tuna, beans, soup), cereal, rice, jelly and peanut butter.
Hilton Hospital for Animals is located at 120 Merrick Road in Lynbrook. If you have any questions about the Food Drive, visit Hilton Hospital’s Facebook page or call 516-887-2914.
