The new year’s “new normal” unfortunately brings continued worries and uncertainty for our local businesses and many families still unemployed. Extreme weather conditions, increased COVID cases, and many remote school days lessen foot traffic on Plandome Road daily. For many months our community has come together to support the essential health care workers and extra food collection drives, but the need continues.
The Takeout Project is an initiative, originally launched in Northport, to support local businesses and provide a special meal for a family in need. In January, over $4,000 in gift cards were donated by Northport community members wanting to help. A CBS news report helped spread this idea and eight other Long Island communities have joined in on the tremendous effort. The Manhasset Chamber of Commerce is excited to launch the Takeout Project in our neighborhood and will provide additional participation details to its members. Recently installed Co-President Bill Hannan called it a Win Win Win: donors whose careers have not been negatively impacted can feel good about helping, local restaurants will have much needed consumer flow, and families economically impacted by COVID will enjoy a nice, locally prepared meal. “Similar to the ‘Gift of Life,’ this project brings us together and provides the communal confidence we need to overcome the pandemic challenges.”
To participate, purchase a gift card and leave it with the local restaurant you wish to support. The St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteers will collect and bring the gift cards to the St. Mary’s and Shelter Rock Church food pantries. You also may drop a gift card off at either Church’s office any weekday, or contact the St. Mary’s St. Vincent de Paul conference at SVDP@stmary.ws to arrange for pickup. Also follow the initiative on our Facebook page St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Mary’s. Thank you for your support.
Submitted by Jennifer DeSena, St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Mary’s President
