Harmony Cafe, a Patchogue-based nonprofit, usually serves the com- munity through monthly social food events, where people can come and get a meal, paying whatever they can. Those events are hosted at the VFW hall on Edwards Street, which includes a social gathering with live music.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those events are no longer possible, so volunteers with Harmony Cafe have begun collecting and delivering food to people in need in the Patchogue, East Patchogue and Medford communities.
There has been even more need since the pandemic started, as soup kitchens in the area have had to close.
“We help everybody,” executive director Rosemarie Mccarthy told the Advance. “Delivery is a big need.”
Harmony Cafe has teamed up with the Patchogue Community Organization Active in Disaster to find those in need and bring them food. They have been collecting donations at their headquarters in the Patchogue Wellness Center, 157 North Ocean Avenue, and will supplement those donations with other necessities. Before delivering groceries, volunteers will stop at a grocery store for perishables like milk, eggs, etc.
“We have a very diverse group of people [in need of help],” Mccarthy said.
They most recently had a food drive on April 30, and will have another on Friday, May 8. They’ve seen donations from fellow organizations like the VFW, Patchogue Theatre, Long Island Cares and Angela’s House, as well as local residents who have lent a hand.
To contribute to Friday’s food drive, visit the VFW Post on Edwards Street between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to bring nonperishable items as well as household goods. Harmony Cafe will also accept some fresh items, like fruits and vegetables. Or, you can donate a supermarket gift card to help with their shopping or donate financially. All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.
For more information or to donate, visit www.harmonycafeli.org. You can also call the café: English is 631- 569-4648 and Spanish is 631-953-1778. Leave a message and your call will be returned within 24 hours.
The cafe will host a grab-and-go food event on Saturday by appointment only between 11 a.m. and 1p.m. Visit the website or call to sign up.
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