On October 25, the Town of Brookhaven Volunteer Youth Advisory Board organized a food drive at Stop & Shop in Farmingville to benefit the Youth Bureau’s INTERFACE Thanksgiving Food Drive. The initiative aimed to collect food for families in need throughout Brookhaven Town.
Last year, the INTERFACE food drive supported nearly 1,500 families and provided additional supplies to four local pantries. During this year's event, students and adults from the Youth Advisory Board collected 45 grocery bags of food between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Shoppers received flyers listing needed items as they entered the store and were able to drop off donations on their way out. Students who participated will receive community service credits.
Supervisor Daniel J. Panico expressed appreciation for those involved: “I want to thank all the volunteers from our Youth Advisory Board who helped collect food for our neighbors in need,” said Panico. “Each year, this program helps ensure families throughout Brookhaven have a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We wouldn’t achieve our goal if it were not for caring residents and kindhearted businesses working together.”
High school students living in Brookhaven Town who are interested in joining the Youth Advisory Board can apply by submitting an essay about their interest along with a resume.
INTERFACE is described as a partnership involving individuals, corporations, not-for-profit agencies, and community organizations working with the Town of Brookhaven to provide goods and services to residents facing hardship. The program consists of around 100 participating groups focused on addressing social issues within the community.
For more information about INTERFACE or how to participate, residents can visit the Youth Bureau’s Community Programs page or call 631-451-8026.