Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library Opens Mini Food Pantry

BAY SHORE, NY — The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library's new mini food pantry is up, running, and ready for patrons to leave or take items.

To help keep it stocked, bring donations to the Circulation Desk in the library, 1 South Country Road, Brightwaters, NY 11718.

Please check the expiration dates on the items first, to make sure they are not past date, said Katie McIntyre, head of Children's Services.

By the way, she told Patch they are accepting pet food items as well.

Make it a habit: carry a bottle of maple syrup, a box of rice or a bag of dog food or something else when you bring back a book!

McIntyre said the idea came out of a Suffolk County Advisory Board on Child Protection meeting focused on creating new community-based, grassroots initiatives

To keep it full of good things for people in need, the library is relying on the generosity of the community.

"We have seen great results with our annual Mitten Drive, Project Toy Drive and our year-round Clean Cabinet Drive," she said. (The Clean Cabinet contains sample size hygiene products available in the library's lobby for anyone who might need toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant or soap.)