Angels of Long Island nonprofit to close free food pantry in Mastic
The owner says the location will become a thrift store run by new owners.
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Angels of Long Island, a nonprofit that feeds about 400 people every week in Mastic, will be shutting down on Thursday.
“I'm very emotional about this. We really put our heart and soul in this location," said founder Debbie Loesch.
When she opened the Mastic location of the food pantry in 2023, Loesch saw the need to help feed the community.
“It's been such a wonderful impact. People are so thankful. I can’t express how much Debbie has done," said Gail Carroll, of Middle Island.
Loesch says because of rising overhead costs, she's had to sell the Mastic location. She says everything in the thrift store part of the business is 50% off today and Wednesday. They're giving away what food is left in Mastic for free, as usual.
The thrift store section of the business will stay open under new ownership.
VIDEO: Angels of Long Island founder Debbie Loesch
“It's going to open up as Mastic Sales. The family that’s taking over is phenomenal. They are community likeminded," said Loesch.
A shopper News 12 spoke with this morning says Angels of Long Island closing in Mastic will affect the community, but there are other places to go if you're hungry.
“Mostly the churches like St. John’s. It’s a place called Ernie’s Place,” said Rudolph Lavazoli, of Center Moriches.
Loesch says the new owners in Mastic will help support her mission in Patchogue.
“I'm hoping the community supports them because they will also be giving back to Angels of Long Island. So, continuing to shop here will still help us," said Loesch.
The Angels of Long Island location in Patchogue is also having a 50% off sale today and Wednesday to help support the nonprofit. That location is staying open.
