Some Long Island charities are encouraging residents to donate their time to volunteerism this holiday season. 

Officials at the Lighthouse Mission say food and money are always needed, but volunteers are priceless. 

"Show up and we will put you to work right away," says Pastor Jim Ryan. "You are able to take the food we collect and place it into the hands of a hungry neighbor. When you do that, it is a game changer."

News 12 Long Island was with volunteers at the Long Island Cares warehouse in Hauppauge, where volunteers spent the day sorting and packing food that will be distributed throughout the holiday season.  

Chief Executive Officer Paule Pachter says the food bank has been fortunate enough to give out more than 6,000 Thanksgiving meals, including turkeys and all the fixings.

The warehouse will be closed on Thursday and Friday, but opportunities to volunteer are right around the corner. 

Pachter says on Monday, volunteers will be welcome to help sort and pack meals for Christmas. 

"We take individual volunteers, we take small groups, large groups, corporate volunteers – everyone is welcome to come join us," he told News 12.

According to Long Island Cares, 300,000 Long Island residents are food insecure, meaning they do not know where their next meal will come from. That figure includes 89,000 children.