Proving its mission is more than books, the Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library is launching the Community Cares Drive in March to provide essentials to those in need.
The drive includes non-perishable foods, as well as travel-size toiletries and personal hygiene items, which can be dropped off during library hours in the lobby of the Shirley Library or its branches in Mastic Beach and Moriches.
“We’re collecting everything to give to local food pantries like St. Jude Church,” said Adult Reference Librarian Catherine Gorden. “This is something that people should make an effort to do right now, especially with these huge snowstorms. There are a lot of people out there in the community who just need a helping hand. Food prices are up, and it’s just a way for the community to help support its more vulnerable members.”
She noted that libraries today serve as community centers, responding to a variety of needs. The Mastic-Moriches-Shirley Community Library works to tackle these needs with a variety of bi-monthly donation drives, including school supplies prior to September. “Also, back in November, we did a Winter Warmth Drive, collecting things like hats and scarves and gloves. So, we’ve been trying to rotate different drives to go with the seasons.”
All through February, the library system hosted the Have-a-Heart Food Drive, filling the donation boxes with contributions, she said.
Community Cares Drive will be a first for the libraries, and for those who want to help, Gorden has some suggestions. For well-rounded meals, she recommends canned meat, beans, and veggies; pasta and sauce—things with a long shelf life—as well as baby food and healthier snacks like Nutri-Grain and granola bars. Some desirable toiletries might be toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, deodorant, shampoo, and conditioner.
This drive will run from March to June. For more information, see the website.