Neighbors helping neighbors

On your next trip to pick up school supplies for the upcoming year, why not pick up a few extras for those in need? Here are some local school supply drives that are collecting much-needed items for students.

Community Exchange of Central Islip

On Sunday, Aug. 29, this new organization will be collecting school supplies as well as food starting at 9 a.m. in the parking lot behind AutoZone in Central Islip (2 Carleton Avenue). If you are in need of food or school supplies, feel free to stop by starting at 10 a.m. to pick up whatever it is you may need.

Stuff-A-Bus

A partnership between United Way of Long Island and Suffolk Transportation Services Inc., the Stuff-A-Bus initiative is now in its 13th year of providing school supplies to elementary school students in need. Past participating school districts include Central Islip, Amityville, Brentwood, Copiague, Freeport, Hempstead, North Hempstead, South Country and Wyandanch. Some of the supplies being collected are backpacks, lunchboxes, folders, index cards, hand wipes, rulers and scissors. For more information on the program or to get involved please visit https://www.unitedwayli.org/stuff-bus .

Greater Sayville Food Pantry

In addition to the food they also receive, the Sayville Food Pantry has put out a special request for school supplies. The pantry is located at 47 Gillette Avenue in Sayville and is open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.