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Hunger Strike force
Taking Nourishment To Long Island's Streets
Two trucks brimming full of food pull into seven distressed Long Island areas every week. Those living in abject poverty form an organized line. Lighthouse Mission staff and volunteers then compassionately fill out-stretched hands with homemade sandwiches and bags of groceries. Find out more how this amazing ministry provides 2,000 meals to those in need every week!
Ten years have passed since Sister Regina and Sister Elaine began Lighthouse Mission in Patchogue, New York. Along with approximately fifteen daily volunteers, Lighthouse Mission keeps its' doors open seven days a week. Volunteers help in the warehouse, make 600 sandwiches each week, and man the emergency food assistance area. Some of the volunteers and staff had been living in poverty themselves.
Take for instance "Lynette." She had separated from an abusive husband, was living in a dangerous Long Island area with her four children, and had been raped. In order to keep her children from foster care, she had to pass an upcoming Social Services visit. Hope came when she stopped at one of the mission's park food distributions. Lynette filled her cupboards with the groceries received in the park, and passed the visit! Over several years, staff began a relationship with this mother and helped her get a safe place to live. Now she is a full-time staff member of Lighthouse Mission and works in the school system.
Children are also an important part of Lighthouse Mission's outreach. During the summer months, 60-65 children are transported by bus to the mission's building every Saturday. Guests learn spiritual truths through puppet shows, drama, stories, and games. They are also treated to lunch and a snack. This fall, children will receive help with homework, receive a snack, and be rewarded with badges in the after-school program. "Our goal at the mission is that no child will go to bed hungry," comments Sister Elaine.
As the second largest food distributor on Long Island and member of the local food bank, Lighthouse Mission partners with many local businesses and organizations including OBI's Hunger Strike Force, the Department of Social Services, the Labor Department, Island Harvest, a bakery, and six delis.
In addition to the seven weekly street food distributions, visitors come to the mission and receive services including food and clothing. Lighthouse Mission's future plans include the new Hannah House. Soon to be home to eight women and three certified counselors, Hannah House will provide a safe haven as participants fully rehabilitate from drug and alcohol abuse and put their lives back in order over the course of one year.
"Thank you to everyone giving even the slightest thing," relays Sister Regina. "Everyone's gifts make Operation Blessing run smoothly."
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