Pastor Jim Ryan is urging Long Islanders to donate toys to the Lighthouse Mission, which distributes them to children and teens in the Patchogue Bellport area.

He says the demand for toys has not yet been met, but is confident they will hit their mark as Christmas approaches.

"We got a big need, but we are expecting Long Islanders, like they do every year, to meet that need," says Pastor Ryan. 

He is also asking donors to consider teens and tweens, who he says are often overlooked. 

Dionicia Garcia says she is overwhelmed by the generosity of Long Islanders and the volunteers at the Lighthouse Mission who are helping her family have a merry Christmas. 

"I thank them. I thank them from the bottom of my heart," she said. 

For more information about the Lighthouse Mission, click here.