A collaborative effort involving the American Red Cross, Arya Samaj of Long Island, and the Indian American Forum led to a significant donation to the Bethpage Food Pantry, part of Long Island Cares. The initiative saw the Hindu community rallying together to collect food, toiletries, and other non-perishable goods for those in need.
Initially, the plan was to send relief items to California in response to the devastating wildfires. Participants in the effort included Arya Samaj of Long Island, students from Stony Brook University, the Indian American Forum, and Brahashita Gupta. However, the volume of donations received far exceeded expectations.
Faced with an abundance of goods, Dr. Azad Anand, a member of the Red Cross Board, retired Stony Brook University professor, and former board member of Long Island Cares, suggested a new course of action. He proposed that the collected supplies be redirected to support Long Island Cares instead. “The goal was to get it into the hands of food-insecure people no matter where they live,” he emphasized.
The donation event took place at Arya Samaj of Long Island on May 6, 2025, marking a moment of unity and compassion. Representatives and key members from various organizations came together to support the cause.
In attendance was Paule Pachter, CEO of Long Island Cares, who was joined by members of his team, including Peter Crescenti, Colleen Guirand, John McKeown, Robert LaBarbara, John Sears, and Jessica Rosati. The American Red Cross was represented by Lenia Kiki, Community Disaster Program Specialist for Long Island. Also present were Drs. Azad and Nutan Anand; Indu Jaiswal, Chairperson of the Indian American Forum; Veer Mukhi; Drs. Urmilesh and Yashpal Arya; and Sudesh Mukhi, trustees of Arya Samaj of Long Island. Numerous volunteers also participated in the event.
Both Paule Pachter and Lenia Kiki expressed their appreciation for the work and commitment shown by the volunteers and organizations. “Thank you for your efforts and collections for donations,” they said in a shared sentiment of gratitude.
Long Island Cares, a nonprofit founded by singer-songwriter Harry Chapin, plays a vital role in addressing hunger and food insecurity on Long Island. It uses donations to purchase nutritious food and distributes it across various outlets, including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, programs for senior veterans, and initiatives supporting school children.
In addition to supplying food, Long Island Cares combats food insecurity through restocking efforts, mobile outreach services, and emergency assistance. The organization ensures that donated goods reach those who need them the most and supports communities through strategic partnerships and consistent outreach.
The recent food drive highlighted the power of collective action and the importance of addressing food insecurity locally. While the original intent was to help those affected by wildfires in California, the community quickly adapted their plan to meet immediate needs closer to home. The decision not only ensured that the abundant donations were put to good use but also strengthened local support systems already in place.
The overwhelming response from donors was a testament to the community’s commitment to service and their readiness to support those in crisis. Volunteers and organizers worked tirelessly to gather, sort, and prepare the items for delivery, driven by a common goal to help those facing food insecurity.
Arya Samaj of Long Island served as the central hub for the collection effort. Its trustees and members have long been involved in various charitable activities, and their facility provided the perfect venue for hosting the donation event. The collaboration with students from Stony Brook University and other partner organizations reflected a broad-based effort that brought together multiple generations and cultural backgrounds.
The leadership provided by Dr. Azad Anand was pivotal in redirecting the project’s mission to benefit Long Island Cares. His ties to both the Red Cross and Long Island Cares enabled a seamless transition in planning. “We had a huge volume of food coming in, and the question became, where could we make the most immediate impact?” he said.
Support from organizations like the Indian American Forum further strengthened the campaign. Under the leadership of Chairperson Indu Jaiswal, the Forum has consistently advocated for humanitarian initiatives and played an instrumental role in mobilizing support for the food drive.
Long Island Cares, headquartered in Hauppauge, New York, was well-equipped to receive and distribute the donations effectively. Its infrastructure includes several satellite locations and a mobile outreach unit that serves remote or underserved areas. By partnering with over 300 community-based agencies, the organization ensures wide-reaching impact throughout the region.
One of the organization’s key strengths lies in its ability to convert monetary and material donations into nutritious meals. In addition to food distribution, Long Island Cares provides job training, educational workshops, and health and wellness programs aimed at addressing the root causes of hunger.
At the May 6 event, the sense of unity and purpose was evident. Volunteers packed boxes, greeted guests, and listened to brief speeches from those leading the effort. The mood was one of reflection and appreciation, as many acknowledged the privilege of being able to help others.
“Giving back is a responsibility we take seriously,” said Veer Mukhi, one of the participating trustees. “Our goal is to continue serving the community and to inspire others to do the same.”
For many attendees, the food drive served as a reminder of how quickly plans can change, and how flexibility and compassion can make a significant difference. By staying focused on the underlying mission—helping those in need—the organizers were able to achieve a powerful outcome despite the change in destination.
The event concluded with a symbolic handover of the donations to the team from Long Island Cares. Volunteers, trustees, and organizational leaders stood together in solidarity, confident that their contributions would help bring relief to countless individuals and families struggling with food insecurity.
As Long Island Cares continues its mission to feed and support the most vulnerable, partnerships like these play a vital role in ensuring that no one is left behind. The joint initiative between the American Red Cross, Arya Samaj of Long Island, and the Indian American Forum exemplifies what can be accomplished when communities come together for a shared cause.
By channeling the spirit of generosity into concrete action, the event on May 6 offered hope and sustenance to many—and reinforced the enduring power of collaboration in times of need.