150 Food Baskets Donated For Smithtown Families In Need

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Town of Smithtown Youth Bureau held its annual Adopt-A-Family Food Drive, which supports the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry, on Nov. 4 and Nov. 11, the Town of Smithtown announced.

Local students and parents helped feed local families in need just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. The donations filled 150 baskets of food. Each meal basket contains a variety of items, including non-perishable foods, fresh vegetables, baked goods, a voucher for a turkey or ham, as well as a holiday greeting card for an "adopted" family.

Ten student volunteers helped run the event by collecting food donations, sorting the items, assembling the baskets with all of the "trimmings," moving all donations to the food pantry’s storage area, and giving out Community Service Certificates to all students who brought full basket donations. Sixty students brought in baskets they had fully stocked themselves.

The support from the community was "outstanding," the town wrote as numerous families and local business representatives participated as well. Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry volunteers were on hand on donation drop-off days, providing food for their clients as part of their year-round community support for those struggling with food insecurity.

"Not only is this event a wonderful family, community service opportunity, but it also serves as a valuable lesson for young people to learn," said Stacey Sanders, executive director of the Smithtown Youth Bureau, in a news release. "A full pantry and fridge at home is something that should not be taken for granted. Frankly, this is my most personally rewarding annual program. You can actually feel the good intention and positive vibes coming from the families who stop in to donate holiday food. Everyone involved leaves the event feeling that they’ve done something good and worthwhile for their community. It’s such a direct and beautiful way to make a real difference in someone’s life. What a great way to start the Holiday Season!"

The yearly event is well known in the community, and shopping and donating has become a family holiday tradition for many, according to the town. The Smithtown Youth Bureau starts planning and promoting the event about a month before the two drop-off dates. This gives enough time for families to pick up empty boxes/baskets from the pantry if they wish and reserve time for shopping and drop-off as a family.

Additionally, getting the word out early allows time for school district leadership and community service clubs, as well as Girl and Boy Scout troop leaders, to involve their students. Parents, school districts and numerous community organizations play a huge role in spreading the word about this Youth Bureau initiative, as well as their other year-round family and school-based programming, according to the town.

The Annual Adopt-A-Family Food Drive helps increase the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry’s ability to support families and raises awareness about the issue of food insecurity in every community. Some families need more help than others, and for varying lengths of time.

To get involved with future Youth Bureau events, you may apply to become a volunteer with the Smithtown Youth Bureau Volunteer Corps. Complete and submit the online volunteer application form, available on the Youth Bureau website. Adults and students are invited to register.