Assemblyman hosting food drive

Traditionally, food drives to benefit the hungry are scheduled around Thanksgiving and extended through the December holidays, at most through the turn of the New Year. This year, however, as the economy took a turn for the worse, Assembly Dave McDonough, a Republican representing Bellmore-Merrick, kept his annual food drive going year 'round, the need for food just as compelling this summer and early fall.

Since November, hundreds of pounds of food have been collected, but much more needs to be done, the assemblyman said. Donations of canned goods and other non-perishable food items may be dropped off at McDonough's district office at 404 Bedford Ave. in Bellmore. All donations are delivered to local food pantries in the area for distribution to families in need.

"There currently is a hunger crisis, with food pantry levels at an all time low due to a decrease in donations, children being home from school for the summer and an increase in need," McDonough said. "We are all experiencing hard times due to the current economic conditions, but many of our families, friends and neighbors are being hit harder than the rest of us. I am asking all who are able to give a little so those less fortunate than ourselves will not go hungry."

For more information about the food drive, e-mail the assemblyman at mcdonoughd1@assembly.state.ny.us or call (516) 409-2070.