As the holiday season unfolds on Long Island, local nonprofits are offering meaningful, tangible ways to support neighbors in need—whether it’s a hot holiday meal, a new toy for a child, or a basket of healthy food. Here are five standout organizations making a difference.

• Long Island Cares – The Harry Chapin Regional Food Bank continues its “Gather & Give: A Holiday Food Giving Drive,” rallying donors from October through December to fill plates across the region. 

• Island Harvest Food Bank is addressing seasonal hunger by inviting supporters to sponsor family meals and participate in its annual turkey drive—helping families gather around full tables this holiday season.

• John Theissen Children’s Foundation hosts its annual toy drive across Long Island, collecting new, unwrapped gifts at community drop-off locations.

• United Way of Long Islandshares a Holiday Donations & Volunteers Wish List that includes coats, toys, food baskets and volunteer roles with its regional partner agencies.

• The INN (Interfaith Nutrition Network) serves Long Islanders facing hunger and homelessness through soup kitchens, emergency shelters and support services—and acts as a key holiday-season hub for giving.

Each of these nonprofits welcomes monetary gifts, in-kind donations and volunteers through the holidays. Visit each organization’s website for drop-off addresses, drive dates and wish-list details.