Colonial Youth Rallies Community for Holiday Giving

The holiday season is bringing an urgent call for community support as Colonial Youth and Family Services launches its annual Thanksgiving food and Christmas food and toy drive, with more than 200 families already seeking assistance.

The organization hopes to reach hundreds of families this year, providing Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts to households struggling to make ends meet. “Unfortunately, there is a massive need this year,” said drive coordinator Fred Towle. “We currently have over 200 families requesting assistance and help.” With Thanksgiving approaching, Towle said donations have not kept pace with requests, leaving the organization scrambling to collect enough supplies. “We are continuing to reach out for donations of turkeys, canned goods, food items and toys for children for Christmas,” Towle said. Residents can contribute nonperishable food items and new, unwrapped toys at seven community drop-off locations: • Shirley Auto Body, 1272 Montauk Highway, Mastic • Mastic Recreation Center, 15 Herkimer Street, Mastic • Colonial Youth’s Main Office, 346 Montauk Highway, Moriches • Colonial Youth’s Daycare, 346 Montauk Highway, Moriches • Twin Ponds Cabinetry, 383 Main Street, Center Moriches • Hansen’s Carpet, 1473 Montauk Highway, Mastic • William Floyd United Teachers, 225 Montauk Highway, Moriches Serving Suffolk County families since 1973, Colonial Youth provides child care, counseling, youth development programs and assistance to families facing difficult circumstances. Towle encouraged businesses, community organizations and residents to contribute whatever they can, particularly as the Thanksgiving deadline approaches. “Any help that you can provide would be greatly appreciated by Colonial and the families in need,” he said. Donors may also contact the organization to arrange pickup of contributions at 631-281-4461.