Oyster Bay Holding Second Baby Formula Drive To Help Parents In Need

BETHPAGE, NY — The Town of Oyster Bay is teaming up with a resident to hold a second baby formula collection drive. Residents will be able to donate unexpired, unused formula that will be distributed to families who are struggling to find it during the nationwide shortage.

This second drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 5 at the town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, located at 1001 Stewart Ave. in Bethpage.

"The nationwide baby formula shortage is causing a crisis for many families throughout Long Island," said Town of Oyster Bay Councilman Steve Labriola. "We all know that once little ones move onto food, families are often left with extra formula in their pantries. We ask that you open your hearts and cupboards by donating unexpired, unused formula for families facing shortages and empty store shelves."

Dozens of residents donated their unopened, unexpired formula at the previous drive, which was held in Massapequa.

At the start of the pandemic, Massapequa resident Carmela Shimansky launched a Facebook page One Parent to Another to help parents in need of baby formula and other childcare necessities. Working with neighbors and friends in the community, Shimansky connected with local moms who had items they no longer needed and asked them to pay it forward by donating them to others.

"The goal here is really to help those families who can't get to the stores, who can't go from place to place trying to find what they need," Shimansky said. "We hope to reach as many people as possible so that they can provide for their families."

For more information on this and other upcoming events helping local families, visit Carmela's page on Facebook, or www.oysterbaytown.com.