Doing God’s work at North Shore Assembly of God

Every Tuesday, the North Shore Assembly of God offers food from its pantry to residents that are food insecure. But on Nov. 17 the offering was for a Thanksgiving feast, which they have been for over five years.

Pastor Mike Elliott, the associate pastor for youth and outreach, said that this year 55 families benefitted and there were offerings of 38 turkeys. Some people do not want a turkey, he explained, and for those who did want one but came too late, more turkeys were available at the church before Thanksgiving.

“We usually have 40 – 45 families,” Elliott said, “but this year we had a few new families. Ninety-eight percent are from the community.”

The turkeys and fixings were donated by Long Island Cares and Long Island Harvest. People take home a grocery bag of regular food too.

The non-perishable food items were boxed two weeks in advance. Elliott said it was a blessing that children stopped by to participate on Election Day when they were off from school.

“I wasn’t surprised by how many families needed the food,” Elliott said. “The times we are living in right now are difficult. There are so many families that are in need in a variety of capacities. With Covid many don’t have jobs and need food.”

The church is already planning its next event — the Christmas Toy Drive. It will be held on Dec. 15 from noon to 1 p.m.

“We want to help spread hope and joy to families in need this Christmas,” Elliott said. “I know there are families that have money for food but may not have it for buy that special gift. This will bring a big smile to a child’s face.”

The church is seeking new books, games, trucks, art supplies, sports items and other toys. The items will be sorted by age group and residents will pick what they want for their child.

The North Shore Assembly of God is receiving donations for its toy drive until Dec. 13 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the drop off box in the parking lot outside the church at 84 Orchard St., Oyster Bay. New unwrapped toys are being accepted for children ages 2 to 12 years old.