Colonial Youth and Family Services rallied the community once again to ensure no family goes without a holiday meal—assembling and distributing more than 150 food packages with help from local students, volunteers, and elected officials.
County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk Legislator Jim Mazzarella stopped by Colonial Youth’s Shirley headquarters, rolling up their sleeves to help prepare deliveries. Romaine called the effort “a perfect example of what happens when a community refuses to let its neighbors struggle.”
“Colonial Youth has been doing this work for decades,” he said. “They step up every single year, and the county is proud to support them. It’s inspiring to see so many people coming together to help families have a real Thanksgiving.”
Mazzarella echoed that sentiment, adding that “this kind of generosity is what defines the Mastic-Shirley community.” He and Romaine each made financial donations to the drive.
The annual effort is coordinated by Fred Towle, who has served as Colonial Youth’s Food and Toy Drive Coordinator for the past 15 years. Towle said the holiday program reflects the organization’s broader mission.
“Colonial Youth has 55 employees serving hundreds of local families for more than 50 years,” Towle noted. “We provide preschool, day care, child care, teen programs, summer camp—you name it. Our annual golf outing and community fundraisers help us keep these programs strong. But nothing compares to seeing families get the help they need during the holidays.”
Support poured in from across the community. William Floyd High School students and staff collected $1,500 worth of food, while the Arthur H. Clune American Legion, Mastic Fire Department, Home Church, Helping Makes U Happy, the Town of Brookhaven, and Long Island Cares all contributed to the effort.
Colonial Youth President Nick Taylor said the turnout reflects the unique character of the area. “This community is amazing when it comes to supporting families in need,” Taylor said. “On a proportional basis, no other community on Long Island is so generous.”