THE COMMUNITY PANTRY AT SYJCC: FEEDING LONG ISLAND’S HUNGRY
The Community Pantry at the Suffolk Y JCC serves a wide range of individuals in need throughout Long Island. This includes homebound seniors and low-income individuals and families. Nearly half of the people we help are poor or near-poor, with long-term food insecurity. The other half are now struggling because of the COVID-19 pandemic and related unemployment, unanticipated child care needs, and our overall economic climate. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020, requests for assistance have quadrupled. We receive new requests every single day.
The Community Pantry provides non-perishable foods, household supplies, and personal care items for those who cannot come to our facility. We rely on a committed corps of volunteers to be able to keep deliveries going.
For those who are mobile, we have a Community Pantry drop-in site at our SYJCC building. This volunteer-facilitated space provides food to individuals and families struggling with food insufficiency in a dignified fashion. Volunteer donors bring food, toiletries, and cleaning supplies and help organize the space. Those in need come to shop (at no charge) for what they need. More than 40 individuals and families benefit from our Pantry each day, and this number will continue to grow with support from the community. See below for pantry hours of operation.
As our programs grow, so does the need for support from our community. There are many ways you can help!
DONATE
Help us support Suffolk County individuals and families facing economic insecurity by donating non-perishable food, personal care items, and household cleaning supplies to the Community Pantry at the SYJCC. All donated items must be unexpired, sealed in their original packaging, and unused. Store gift cards may also be donated, which will be used to purchase perishables to be stored in the Pantry’s refrigerators. We also gratefully accept donations of fresh produce, including veggies and fruits picked from your own garden!
Donations can be dropped off in the SYJCC Main Lobby, or may be taken to the Pantry during its opening hours (see below). The Pantry is located in the rear of the SYJCC building.
Our needs for this week are:
- Cereal
- Juice Packs
- Jelly/Jam
- School Snacks
- Cup of Noodles Soup
The Pantry’s priority request list changes weekly, so please check the SYJCC website to see the Pantry’s most current needs.
Pantry Hours are:
· Monday | 12:00- 6:00 pm
· Thursday | 12:00- 6:00 pm
· Friday, Saturday, & Sunday | 9:00 am-1:00 pm
· The Pantry is CLOSED on Tuesday & Wednesday
Please note that the Pantry DOES NOT ACCEPT donations of books, clothing, furniture, appliances or other items.
If you have questions about the Pantry, or you need assistance delivering a large donation, please contact Robin Spencer at (631) 462-9800 x146 or email thepantry@syjcc.org
VOLUNTEER
Community Garden
Help is needed to pick the vegetables, fruits and herbs that are growing in the gardens in the rear of the building, as well as to weed, water, and otherwise maintain the gardens. Help to clean up and prepare the garden for the off-season.
Wednesdays | 9:00-11:00 am
Sundays | 2:00-4:00 pm
Contact rspencer@syjcc.org
*Additional hours available, please inquire.
Sunshine for Seniors
Add some happiness to the birthday celebration of a senior who is isolated and homebound. Put together a “Birthday Box” which could include a small dessert, flowers, and or a small gift, and then deliver the box to the senior.
Organize a Pantry Collection
Collect items for the Community Pantry at your house of worship, school, community organization or local supermarket. We will provide collection bins, flyers, signs and guidance.
One-Day Events
Lend a hand at one of the many events that occur during the course of the year at SYJCC, such as the Fall Festival, Thanksgiving Collection Day, Winter Coat Drive, and Taste of Passover Event.
For more information or questions, please contact Robin Spencer, our Volunteer Coordinator, x146 or email rspencer@syjcc.org