Food drive honors Harry Chapin

In a tribute to singer, songwriter and activist Harry Chapin, who died 30 years ago in a car accident on the Long Island Expressway, nearly 30 villages and a handful of libraries are holding a food drive to benefit Long Island Cares, the food bank he founded.

The drive was organized by Sen. Jack Martins (R-Mineola) and will run through Aug. 21.

Villages in his senate district are placing food collection bins in their buildings, as are Martins’ office in Garden City Park, Dolphin Bookshop in Port Washington and the Port Washington and Elmont libraries.

Based in Hauppauge, Long Island Cares provides emergency food and support services to more than 540 organizations, including food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. It was the first food bank on Long Island.

“Everything from rent to utilities to taxes costs more, and for the working poor and those on fixed incomes, it means a precarious day-to-day existence,” Martins said.

Canned food, peanut butter, jelly, nuts, granola bars, cookies, crackers, pasta, rice and hot and cold cereals are needed.

The participating villages are Baxter Estates, East Hills, East Williston, Floral Park, Flower Hill, Great Neck, Great Neck Estates, Great Neck Plaza, Kensington, Lake Success, Manorhaven, Mineola, Munsey Park, New Hyde Park, North Hills, Old Westbury, Plandome, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor, Port Washington North, Roslyn, Roslyn Harbor, Roslyn Estates, Russell Gardens, Saddle Rock, Sands Point, Thomaston, Westbury and Williston Park.