Free Thanksgiving Day dinners across LI

While many Long Islanders dive into turkey and trimmings Thursday, a host of hunger organizations, relief agencies, churches, restaurants, civic groups and others will be offering free Thanksgiving dinners to the neediest in the region — including, this year, those victimized by superstorm Sandy.

Many organizations that traditionally serve free Thanksgiving dinner expect the need to swell this year, because of the aftermath of Sandy. Many residents have been displaced. Many have no way to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. And many more organizations than usual are offering free meals.

“This year we all have a lot to be thankful for and, more than ever, we must not forget those that may not be as lucky,” said Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, who is co-sponsoring a dinner in Massapequa with the Latin/African Americans Chaplains Association and Manor East Caterers.

Island Park Village Mayor James Ruzicka, expressing thanks for nearly 1,000 free meals that will be served today at Sacred Heart Parish Center to residents of Island Park and two surrounding communities, said in a statement: “For thousands of people this may be one of the most difficult holidays any of them have ever faced.”

Here is a partial list of some places where Thanksgiving meals will be served: