A Suffolk charity that provides local families in need with important back-to-school supplies is seeking donations.

Lighthouse Mission, of Bellport, helps children from underprivileged communities and homeless shelters return to school supplied for success. It gives local students in need everything from new backpacks to haircuts. Last year, nearly 500 children received much-needed supplies.

But this year, the charitable group is coming up short. It has been collecting donations, but it doesn't have nearly enough.

Pastor Jim Ryan says he has hope that local residents will step up with donations. "I know God has never let us down, and he always uses people of Long Island to make that happen," he says.

The charity will hold a school supply drive in a few weeks, but it accepts donations any time.