Long Island Cares, The Harry Chapin Food Bank is one of the largest providers of food for low-income and needy…More families in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Its headquarters serves primarily as both a food bank that collects donations and as a distributor to more than 300 food pantries and soup kitchens. Long Island Cares also holds an emergency food pantry onsite where residents can visit once, as a last resort if necessary, for food and to be directed to sources of aid.</p> <p>For those unable to make it to a food pantry, there's the new Mobile Outreach Resource Enterprise - a mobile food pantry - that stores approximately 500 pounds of basic food staples. Keep a look out as it travels throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. A second van, "Hope for Homeless," focuses on providing emergency information for the homeless population with housing information and ready-to-eat food.</p> <p>Pets are part of the family at Long Island Cares and it supports the Animal Relief Fund. The organizations accept donations of pet food, blankets, bed, medicine and other pet related items.</p> <p>Featured each fall is the School Tools Showroom where children in need can pick out backpacks, lunch bags, notebooks and other school supplies. School supplies are also distributed to food pantries, soup kitchens and emergency shelters who serve school-age children. This program also relies on the availability of donations.</p> <p>In addition, Long Island Cares offers Job Development Services that helps individuals create a professional resume and cover letter, training in vocational skills, interview preparation and assistance during a job hunt. It has individual workshops about setting goals, building self-esteem and how to handle stress.</p> <p>For more information about Long Island Care's vast resource, visit their website.</p>