LI Cares Launches Matching Donation Campaign For July

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Long Island Cares launched a matching donation campaign on Monday, the food bank announced.

Everyone who donates to Long Island Cares during July will have their gift matched by its 25-member board of directors, up to $100K, according to the nonprofit, which said $10 buys six meals.

"Imagine the feeding we can do when donations get into five and six figures?" said Pete Crescenti, a spokesman for Long Island Cares.

Last year's campaign match was $50K, a number that was hit with "ease," said David Herold, chairman of the board of Long Island Cares.

"We believe it is up to us, as board members to work as hard as the employees and volunteers," Herold told Patch. "So, we raised the target to push us out of our comfort zone, and we will continue to work harder each year until our mission is fulfilled."

Should the $100K goal be hit and matched, Long Island Cares would provide approximately 120K meals for the July campaign.

Katherine Fritz, vice president of development and communications at Long Island Cares, said the board of director's match is not only an "incredibly generous gesture," but a "testament to their commitment to fighting hunger on Long Island."

"Every dollar donated now has double the impact, helping Long Island Cares provide essential food and support to people in critical need," Fritz said. "This match not only amplifies the generosity of our supporters but also ensures that Long Island Cares can continue to meet the growing demand for our services at a challenging time for Long Island families."

A donor made a recent $10K donation and asked Long Island Cares that the donation and match be restricted to the food bank's veterans' service programs, according to Herold.

The veterans' programs include direct food services, advocacy, guidance with public assistance and the Vets Work Project, which helps veterans return to the public workforce.

"This matching campaign is intended to do much more than raise $200K and the hope is it will resonate far past July," Herold said. "It helps bring attention to the other issues that cause food insecurity and provide more visibility to the groups (like our veterans), who are saddled with this burden."

Long Island Cares developed a comprehensive marketing strategy in an effort to reach and engage as many people as possible, Fritz said. The nonprofit is using its social media platforms, email and direct mail campaigns, website features, blogs, and events, including a day of service on July 16 to honor their late founder, Harry Chapin.

The food bank will also collaborate with local businesses, influencers, and community organizations to expand its reach and encourage more people to participate.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America since 2020 to help raise awareness in our local communities of hunger, a persistent national problem exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks and 60,000 local meals programs across the country, estimates that nearly 34 million people, including 9 million children — about 1 in 6 Americans — are living with food insecurity. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.