Farmingville, NY – Supervisor Mark Lesko and Deputy Supervisor / Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh have announced that the Brookhaven Town Youth Bureau INTERFACE program will kick off their annual Holiday Food and Toy Drive on Sunday, November 13 at an event sponsored by the Long Island Car Clubs at Bald Hill in Farmingville. It will be the first of five scheduled events which will collect food for needy families and presents for over 6,000 children and help many Brookhaven residents have a happier holiday season.

“I thank all our sponsorship partners for their efforts to help us get the message out about the INTERFACE Food and Toy Drive and for participating in this very worthwhile cause,” said Supervisor Mark Lesko. “These volunteers are working hard to make the holiday season happier for families and children who might not have been looking forward to a merry Christmas this year.”

"Over the years, Brookhaven residents have very generous with their donations of food and toys and I expect the same this year. If we all do our part, we can help make it a happy holiday for so many of our neighbors who have fallen on tough times,” said Deputy Supervisor/Councilwoman Walsh.

Residents can stop by any of the following events to donate food and toys for Brookhaven residents in need.

• Sunday, November 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  Bald Hill Food and Toy Drive sponsored by the Long Island Car Clubs. - Brookhaven Amphitheater parking lot, Bicycle Path, Farmingville, NY 11738
• Saturday, November 19 and Sunday November 20 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  JVC Broadcasting sponsored food drive to benefit INTERFACE and Long Island Cares - Centereach Walmart, 161 Centereach Mall, Centereach, NY 11720
• Sunday, November 20 at 1:00 p.m.
  "Teddy Bear Biker Run" sponsored by the Red Nights Motorcycle Club. Starting at the Farmingville Fire House and going to The Maples in Manorville. INTERFACE benefit event follows at the Maples. - Farmingville Fire House, 780 Horseblock Road, Farmingville, NY 11738 - The Maples, 10 Ryerson Avenue, Manorville NY 11949
• Monday, November 21 at 9:00 a.m.
  Sachem HS North and East, featuring the unveiling of the schools’ collection of food for the INTERFACE Thanksgiving food drive. All food will be taken to the Town’s Blue Point Cottage for distribution to over 800 families. - Sachem North High School, 212 Smith Road, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 - Sachem East High School, 177 Granny Road, Farmingville, NY 11738 - Blue Point Cottage, 39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point, NY 11715
• Friday, December 16 from 5:30am to 5:30pm
  JVC Radio broadcasting live from Town Hall, with an all-day toy collection for INTERFACE. - Brookhaven Town Hall, 1 Independence Hill, Farmingville, NY 11738

Those attending the events are asked to bring an unwrapped toy for children from infants to 15 years old. Suggested food items for donations include all non-perishables including, but not limited to, canned soups, canned cranberry sauce, turkey gravy, stuffing mix, instant potatoes, canned sweet or white potatoes, rice, canned vegetables, jar or canned sauce, macaroni, canned fruit, puddings, jello, cookie mix, cake mix and icing and juice. Due to refrigeration requirements we cannot accept frozen turkeys, but residents could donate $15.00 Gift Certificates to a local supermarket where the family can purchase a turkey.

Along with the special events, there will be over 100 donation boxes located at stores and business throughout Brookhaven. Visit www.brookhaven.org for locations.

Donations can also be dropped off at Brookhaven Town Hall located at 1 Independence Hill in Farmingville, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information contact Maria Polak at the Town of Brookhaven Youth Bureau at 451-8014 or visit www.brookhaven.org.

Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258