Pastor Jim Ryan, president of Lighthouse Mission, recently secured hundreds of turkeys. The poultry were distributed to families at Thanksgiving on Nov. 25.

According to Long Island Press, as inflation increased, so did the cost of groceries. 

Based on the preacher’s estimated price, the turkey supply for 10 outreach locations in Suffolk County reportedly cost at least $27,000. Recently, the ministry observed that fewer individuals made donations, as well. 

The monetary funds covered the grocery needs of vulnerable families for five days or a week.

Pastor Ryan expressed that the need for charitable funds is greater, and currently, only a few can give. The people who used to give before now need assistance, as well, he added.

Lighthouse Mission is a Christian organization that stands independent from the congregation or any denomination and even the government. This is a group of individuals who volunteered to serve and provide for the community in Long Island, as relayed from the news.

“We just trust in God, and he comes through.” Pastor Ryan commented.

Generosity of Community

A few weeks away from Thanksgiving, local businesses extended their generosity to Lighthouse Mission through monetary donations. The charitable act aided Lighthouse Mission in providing turkeys to families.

News 21 reported that Bohemian-based roofing, King Quality, sent 150 turkeys to Lighthouse Mission’s outreach in Central Islip. 

The donation aids in reducing the cost of meals provided to the families. The CEO of King Quality, Jeff Brett, stated that it fills him with hope and joy to help their Long Island community.

Lighthouse Mission president also asked the public on their Facebook post for monetary donations to help the unfortunate in Long Island. Pastor Ryan remains confident that donors will participate in the charitable act of giving. 

How Pandemic Affected Nonprofits

Reports show that nonprofits such as Lighthouse Mission did better than before, especially when the pandemic started. Citizens alike rely on the government for assistance. 

They hang onto the CARES Act Funding amid the challenges they faced this year, according to 

However, nonprofit organizations will face tough choices as the money is spent out for 2022 if the pandemic lasts longer, Cirini predicted.

“For the most part, 2021 has seen some rebound from last year, but it has still been a difficult year for nonprofit organizations,” he concluded.

Cerini is a Bohemia-based accounting firm that updates reports of each nonprofit organization.

As explained, small nonprofits often rely on fundraising events such as outings and galas, also individual donations.

The effects of COVID-19 sent many people to avoid the big gatherings as the region struggled to cope financially. Significantly, the individual donations decreased for the past two years, as reported.

The Riverhead-based nonprofit Maureen’s Haven is focused on homeless charity programs. 

The organization reported less than 14 percent of revenue from federal funding and the state. No less than 14 percent is from fundraising events and donations, as reported.

Dan O’Shea, executive director of Maureen’s Haven, said that her organization mostly relied on galas. Yet due to the circumstances, it is not possible to have 150 people occupy an event room, he continued.

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The Christian community center offers a turkey giveaway to families this November