Lighthouse Mission preps for the community’s growing holiday needs

As more Long Island families seek aid, the Lighthouse Mission, based in Bellport, is preparing for an increased need for food, clothing, and toy donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons.

To meet the demand, community donations are essential, said pastor Jim Ryan, who has managed the nonprofit for nearly 20 years. While serving the area for 33 years, the mission is not funded by the government.

“Everything we have and give out, it’s all donated,” Ryan said. “It’s critically important that people give to the Lighthouse Mission, especially during the holidays, so we can meet their needs.”

Just last month, in October, the organization’s mobile food distribution program in Suffolk County provided food to 10,360 people. According to Ryan, the number continues to rise, especially since many families are affected by reduced SNAP benefits.

“When the weather starts changing, kids in school just don’t have the appropriate clothing to wear,” he said. “The need for clothing goes up tremendously in November, October, and then the same thing with the food.”

There are nine distribution locations run by Lighthouse Mission, where anyone can receive help without needing to register. Lighthousehelp.com lists locations and times.

“We do it throughout the entire year, Monday through Saturday, in the rain, heat, cold or snow,” Ryan said. “All they need to do is show up and they’ll be blessed.”

The holidays are the best time to donate nonperishable food, frozen chickens or turkeys, winter clothes and toys. Donations of money also help the ministry with running its operations and acquiring new supplies.

“We are a local ministry,” Ryan said. “When you donate food, clothing, or funds to the Lighthouse Mission, it stays right here.”

According to Ryan, volunteers are equally important. You can register at lighthouseserve.com if you’re interested in helping with distribution or organizing items.

“We could not operate without volunteers,” he said. “We want to demonstrate the love of Jesus to people, and we do that through our consistency.”

The Lighthouse Mission’s annual goal is to meet the expanding need.

“We certainly don’t have enough food right now,” he said. “When things don’t look like it’s really going to be very good, we get excited because we know that God’s going to do something big.”

Ryan has a simple message as Thanksgiving and Christmas get closer:

“If anyone is in need of food, they can go to lighthousehelp.com, find a location and show up,” he said. “And if anyone wants to help—we certainly could use that; we’re here to be a blessing.”