Holidays in the Moriches

For years, the Moriches community has come together in several ways to help neighbors in need. This year, the Moriches Community Center will be hosting their annual Santa’s Workshop Holiday Outreach program and their Thanksgiving food drive.

The programs, Kathleen Johnson, executive director of the community center, said, have been running for 20 years.

“It’s all made possible by the generous donations from local folks and businesses,” she said.

THANKSGIVING

Center Moriches School District students spend November collecting nonperishables; then a group helps sort them to place in boxes for families, to be accompanied by turkeys donated by the Rico Memorial Foundation for a full Thanksgiving feast. Baskets are then dropped off anonymously by volunteers. According to Johnson, the drive usually feeds about 28 to 35 families, depending on the need.

CHRISTMAS

Come December, the center shifts gears to gift giving by adopting families and shopping for items. All items are then donated to families identified as “in-need” by the school district, and about 60 to 70 families are assisted.

Those interested in lending a hand can adopt a family, volunteer their time, or donate at the center’s website: www.morichescommunitycenter.org. This year a very generous anonymous donor has offered a matching gift challenge  in which every Santa’s Workshop donation through December (up to $20,000) will be matched dollar for dollar!

For those interested in donating or helping, visit: www.morichescommunitycenter.org.

Small Business Saturday

When you support a local business, you are also supporting your town, county, and neighborhood. The owners of these businesses are your friends, neighbors, and family members. They give back to our community in big ways, and are always the first to step up to support local charities, community organizations, and sports teams. Small Business Saturday is one of many opportunities we have to support our local businesses. The holiday falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, and this year will be held on Nov. 26. The Chamber of Commerce of the Moriches is encouraging Main Street businesses to plan for the holiday shopping event with deals and specials for shoppers.