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Association for Mental Health and Wellness Requests Donations to its Food Pantries

Special Drop-Off Hours on Monday, January 18, MLK National Day of Service.

The Association for Mental Health and Wellness (MHAW), Suffolk County’s leading mental health services organization, is hosting a food drive on Monday, January 18, 2021 as part of the federally designated National Day of Service held in conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“Due to the devastating impact of the COVID pandemic, our food pantries have seen an exponential rise in the number of people seeking food,” said Colleen Merlo, CEO of MHAW. “We seek to honor Dr. King’s legacy of championing economic and social justice by fighting food insecurity right here in Suffolk County.”

In the words of Dr. King, “Why should there be hunger and privation in any land, any city, at any table when man has the resources and the scientific know-how to provide all mankind with the necessities of life.” Dr. King articulated this belief when he received the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. He said, “I have the audacity to believe that people everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education, and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.”

Suffolk residents are asked to donate non-perishable food items, pet food, and personal care items to MHAW’s Charlotte’s Table Food Pantry, located at 939 Johnson Avenue in Ronkonkoma, or to the food pantry at The Vets Place, 32 Mill Road, in Yaphank. On Monday, January 18, Charlotte’s Table will be open for donations from 10:00am to 6:00pm, and The Vets Place will be open from 9:00am to 12:00pm.

Questions can be directed to 631-672-9613.

About the Association for Mental Health and Wellness

Based in Ronkonkoma, the Association for Mental Health and Wellness is a not-for-profit organization that provides programs, services, and advocacy for people in Suffolk County who face mental health challenges, with an enhanced focus on service to veterans.

With roots dating back to 1955, MHAW was formed through the 2014 merger of three social service providers: the Mental Health Association in Suffolk County, Clubhouse of Suffolk, and Suffolk County United Veterans.

For more information, call 631-471-7242 or go to www.MHAW.org.

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