There is more help on the way for families that are struggling to put food on their table.

Angels of Long Island is holding its fourth grab and go food and necessities drive-up today at 11 a.m. outside their Patchogue thrift shop, located at 350-23 East Main St.

Prior to the pandemic, the non-profit was already serving community members in crisis. One of its main sources of revenue was the thrift shop that has had to close because of the coronavirus. The future of the non-profit is now in jeopardy, but it isn't stopping them from continuing to help their neighbors.

Cars will be able to drive up and grab a bag filled with bread, snacks and hygiene items. There will also be pet food and baby items like diapers available to anyone that needs it.

Angels of Long Island told News 12 Long Island that it is getting 1,000 messages daily from community members in need.

It's a reality we are facing all across Long Island.

Earlier in the week, Shelter Rock Food Pantry in Manhasset held its own distribution drive. Typically, it provides assistance to 75 local families a week. As more and more people find themselves out of work, that number has more than quadrupled, with men and women in need showing up from all over the Island.

Esther Beck, of Great Neck, is on a fixed income and is having trouble feeding her family and six grandchildren during the pandemic

"I wouldn't be able to do it. We would go hungry," she shared.

At the Angels of Long Island drive-up, only one bag will be given out per car. If you are traveling with another family, there will be a separate walk-up line.

It is a contactless drive-up, but organizers are asking that everyone still wear face coverings and practice social distancing to keep their volunteers safe.

 

MORE: LIVE BLOG - Coronavirus updates from the tri-state area and beyond