LI Nonprofit Sees Increase In Demand For Help During Pandemic

LONG ISLAND, NY — The holidays are always the busiest time for nonprofits to help those in need in the community. But this year with the COVID-19 pandemic hitting Long Islanders hard, there is even more of a need for both donations and volunteers.

The local organization, Branches Long Island, is one of many that have been working over the past year to help provide community outreach and much-needed resources across both Nassau and Suffolk counties. The group, like many others, has seen a tremendous increase in the amount of Long Island residents in need of resources.

The group's founder, Samantha Morales, told Patch that before the pandemic, Branches used to service 40 families per week with food and toiletries. But since the pandemic, volunteers are now helping about 40 families per day.

Photo courtesy of Samantha Morales

"Our need has grown tremendously and it has put our organization into overdrive," Morales said.

For the holiday season, the organization has sponsored 2,000 children for Christmas compared to the 450 they sponsored last year. In addition, Branches is hosting a free toy event on Saturday for families to come shop for toys for their children.

Last month, the nonprofit provided 400 Thanksgiving baskets to those in need on Long Island. The group was also contracted by NYS tracing center to help families in quarantine with a Thanksgiving meal.

In addition, recently the group has been working to create and donate "Blessing Boxes" containing food and other essential items to those in need throughout our community. Branches is currently distributing over 20 large boxes every week.

Photo courtesy of Samantha Morales

Those who want to help the group can volunteer at the Branches center or donate monetarily or physical items to the outreach center. Morales credits the local community as well as the volunteers for the group's growth.

"Branches has grown tremendously in the past year and we could not have done it without the help from our amazing volunteers and community members," she said. "I truly feel I was born to do this line of work. We are working on opening our first Community Center where we will offer so many programs and classes to better our community members."

To volunteer or learn more about the organization, visit: brancheslongisland.com/volunteer or contact the group at (631) 448-7832.

Photo courtesy of Samatha Morales