With Hurricane Sandy and the Newtown tragedy still fresh on Long Islanders' minds, people might feel more grateful this year and thus compelled to give back this holiday season.
Here is a list of local organizations that you can contribute to:
Established in 1980, the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers emotional support and information to people with and/or concerned about breast cancer.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rockville Centre assists in serving the basic needs of the poor. Every year, tens of thousands of people of every religion and ethnicity visit Catholic Charities for assistance. Donations can be made online. Car donations also accepted.
A nonprofit born out of his own childhood battle with a brain tumor, the Wantagh-based John Theissen Children's Foundation provides hospitals and child-care facilities with therapeutic and recreational equipment, supports families with financial assistance to defray medical expenses, offers sick and needy children toys throughout the holiday season, fulfill patient's (ages birth to 18 years old) wishlists throughout the year and assists sick and underprivileged children.
Based in Mineola, the Long Island chapter of the American Red Cross is part of one of the nation’s largest emergency response organizations. It offers humanitarian care to the victims of war and devastating natural disasters. Volunteers from ARC are still serving several communites post-Sandy. Online donations accepted.
The Wantagh-based MOMMAS House is a home for young mothers aged 17 to 23 years and their babies. For approximately two years, the young mothers at MOMMAS House continue education or vocational experience interrupted by pregnancy.
Incorporated in 1977, the mission of Levittown-based Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives.
At 1 in 9’s Hewlett House, people with cancer and their families can become involved in networking and receive support from people who are going through similar experiences. Hewlett House is available without referral and at no cost.
Long Island Crisis Center provides free, anonymous help at any time no matter who you are or what your needs are. The Bellmore-based social service agency provides a 24-hour-a-day hotline, a walk-in center, online live chat and live text counseling.
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