Helping Hand Rescue Mission Of Huntington Holds 60th Annual Thanksgiving Food Distribution

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY — Helping Hands Rescue Mission celebrated its 60th annual Thanksgiving food distribution, the non-profit announced.

The mission's journey began in 1965 when Reverend and Mrs. J.A. Gaines prepared just 10 Thanksgiving baskets from their modest storefront, Mission, located at 1138 New York Ave., Huntington Station.

Rev. Rose Marie Gaines, who played a vital role in the mission's inception, often shared with her daughter Kim Gambino, now the president of Helping Hand Rescue Mission, how challenging it was to fill those first 10 boxes.

"Despite the difficulties, they persevered and had faith, setting the stage for what would become a beacon of hope in the community," Helping Hands Rescue Mission stated in a news release.

Over the decades, the Helping Hand Rescue Mission says it has experienced significant growth, adapting to the increasing needs of families in the area. As the community's requirements evolved, so did the mission’s efforts to provide essential support.

The year 2020 posed "unprecedented challenges" because of the coronavirus pandemic, making the task of filling Thanksgiving baskets "particularly difficult," Gambino said. In response, Gambino introduced the Fill A Box Feed A Family program, encouraging community involvement and enabling people to sponsor a meal for families in need. This approach proved to be a resounding success, and this year, the mission announced that more than 1,100 boxes have been filled to share with families facing food insecurity.

Since 2020, more than 6,000 of these boxes have been distributed at Thanksgiving with their largest box donor being the Morgan Walsh Memorial Fund of Huntington, putting together 300 boxes this year in memory of Maureen and Kevin Walsh's daughter, Morgan, who loved to serve others and to share love and kindness.

These Thanksgiving boxes this year will be distributed to pre-registered families this week, "bringing nourishment and joy to many."

"The level of appreciation from the families who receive the food is incredible," Gambino said. "The joy of the volunteers to serve is inspiring, and it is great to know that we are truly making a difference as we have for the past 60 years."

The Helping Hand Rescue Mission said it strives to stand as a "symbol of compassion and community spirit, demonstrating that with dedication and love, it is possible to uplift those in need." As the mission embarks on this 60th annual Thanksgiving distribution, it stated it remains committed to its founding principles, ensuring that no family goes hungry during this season of gratitude.

For more information about Helping Hand Rescue Mission, volunteering or donation, people can check out their website or Instagram @helpinghandli or Facebook page, Helping Hand Rescue Mission.