Senator Martins and Villages Partner to Collect 3,000 Pounds of Food for Long Island Cares

Senator Jack M. Martins and the villages throughout the Seventh Senate District partnered in August to collect food for Long Island Cares the Harry Chapin Food Bank. The food drive was incredibly successful, raising an estimated 3,000 pounds of food.

“The response from our communities to help those in need has been overwhelming. I can’t thank all those who participated in this food drive enough. It is a tribute to the generosity of our communities and the effectiveness of our villages,” said Senator Martins.

It was 30 years ago this year that Long Island singer/songwriter Harry Chapin died in an accident on the Long island Expressway while on the way to perform at a concert in Eisenhower Park. Chapin made it his mission to fight hunger. As a tribute to him and to supply the food bank that bears his name, Senator Martins asked the villages to partner with him in an effort to supply the good bank.

The following villages participated in the drive: Baxter Estates, East Hills, East Williston, Floral Park, Flower Hill, Great Neck, Great Neck Estates, Great Neck Plaza, Kensington, Lake Success, Manorhaven, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, Old Westbury, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, Port Washington North, Roslyn, Roslyn Harbor, Roslyn Estates, Russell Gardens, Saddle Rock, Sands Point, Thomaston, Westbury and Williston Park. In addition, there were drop-off receptacles place at the Elmont Memorial Library, Elmont Farmer’s Market, Port Washington Library and Dolphin Book Shop in Port Washington.

The food will be distributed by Long Island Cares to help those who may be in need. “We’re extremely grateful to Senator Martins and the various organizations within his legislative district that participated in this very successful food drive. The food collected will go a long way to helping the many Long Islanders who are in need,” said Paul T. Pachter, executive director of Long Island Cares.

As a former village mayor, Senator Martins knows first-hand that village government is closest to the residents. “The villages once again showed the spirit of community. I want to thank all the mayors and trustees as well as the Port Washington Library and Elmont Farmer’s Market and library. I also want to thank Long Island Cares for the work they do and our residents for their generous donations,” said Senator Martins.