Middle Island Org Expected To Help 500 Families On Tuesday Despite Hardship, Officials Say

MIDDLE ISLAND, NY — The Long Island Breakthrough Center Community Development Corporation is expected to host one of eastern Long Island’s largest Thanksgiving food distributions and hot meal events by serving 500 families — between 2,000 to 2,500 people — in Middle Island on Tuesday, despite recent government funding cuts and the organization being placed at risk of losing its facility, officials said.

The organization's leader, Bishop E. Edward Robinson, said its faced two major crises this year, but its volunteers are persevering. The crises include a sudden loss of government funding, which threatens essential community services, as well as the possibility of the loss of the facility, which would displace food distribution, youth programs, and family support operations, according to Robinson.

“Even in crisis, our mission continues,” he said. “We will not abandon the families who depend on us. If we must fight through hardship to keep serving, then that is exactly what we will do.”

The event will include full Thanksgiving meal kits and groceries, as well hot Thanksgiving dinner served onsite, and a community service and fellowship gathering.

Families that are pre-registered can pick up food at 2 p.m., and unregistered families at 4 p.m. There will be a hot Thanksgiving meal and community fellowship at 6 p.m.

The center is located at 200 Middle Country Road, Middle Island.

For more information, go to gojudah.com, or call 1-855-GOJUDAH.