FOOD DRIVE AND DONATIONS
The American Red Cross , Arya Samaj of Long island and Indian American Forum made a large donation to the Bethpage Food Pantry of Long Island Cares. Food, toiletries and non perishable items were collected by the Hindu comminity. AryaSamaj of Long island, Stony Brook University sudents , Indian American Forum , Brahashita Gupta were initially planning to send items to california in the wake of the wildfires, however they were overwhelmed with donated food.
Then Dr Azad Anand, a member of Red Cross Board , retired professor at Stony Brook University and former Board member of Long Island Cares proposed giving to Long island Cares. The goal was to get it into the hands of Food – insecure people no matter where they live.The event was held at Arya Samaj of Long island on May 6, 2025. Several distinguished members from various organuzations joined in this noble cause.
CEO of Long Island Cares Paule Pachter with his team> Peter Crescenti, Colleen Guirand , John McKeown, Robert LaBarbara, John Sears and Jessica Rosati. Lenia Kiki Communniy Disaster Program Specialist of American Red Cross onLong Island, Drs Azad and Nutan Anand,Indu Jaiswal Chairperson Indian American Forum, Veer Mukhi, Drs Urmilesh and Yashpal Arya , Sudesh Mukhi trustees of Arya Samaj of Long Island and volunteers were present.
Paule Pachter and Lenia Kiki thanked the members for their efforts and collections for Donations.
Lond Island Cares a Non for profit organization uses the donations to buy nutritios food and distrubute to various organizations, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, senior veterans, and school children The organization helps fight food insecurity by restocking pantries, providing mobile outreach and offering emergency aid.
