Lighthouse Mission needs your help

Ben Vitale

"Oh Yeah, I know the Lighthouse Mission (LM), they help people." Until a few days ago I did not actually know what the Mission did! The lighthouse Mission has been in our area for years, but I never bothered to pay attention. By some strange sequence of events I found myself donating clothes to the LM at their current location in Bellport.

By virtue of time, many people have learned to experience a casual conversation, as opposed to just hearing the words that are spoken. I walked into the Lighthouse Mission, in Bellport, to get some information. I was greeted by "Pastor Jim," and I said, do you accept donations of clothes? The Pastor's words, went directly from my ears; to my heart! Yes I heard the words but I immediately perceived a sense of urgency. "Yes, we need Winter clothes, jackets, gloves, jeans, sweaters; warm clothes!" Pastor Jim also said that the most critical need is always for food.

The words poor, homeless, underprivileged, and unemployed, have taken on new meaning. Not too many years ago, unemployed and homeless, were words that referred to someone else. In recent years, these words have hovered over all of us! After 40 years, I just retired from my last place of employment. Thirty days after my retirement I was shocked to find out that company management, had closed down the last support facility, with the intention of outsourcing support services. This could have happened to me; what if I was 30 years old with small children? Three men were laid off. The unpredictable projectile of unemployment, passed through the space that I once occupied, and hit three men and their families!

Pastor Jim brought my wife Marie and I on a personal guided tour through his Bellport facility. I was amazed to learn that the Lighthouse Mission, has since 1992 been delivering food, on a weekly basis to 3,000 people in our area. The LM has three trucks and delivers food, to locations in Coram, Lake Ronkonkoma, Wyandanch, Central Islip, Bellport, Shirley, Port Jefferson Station, Patchogue, and Riverhead.

The Mission also hosts programs for children as well as young adults. The facility in Bellport is used as a place the youth can go to after school. They can play table games or even receive help with their homework! The Lighthouse Mission is a Christian Group, and has Bible studies. Pastor Mike, the Youth Director, made a profound observation; "They see we care about what's going on in their lives, hearts, and minds, these days!"

I must admit that I am compelled to stand beside myself! I had no idea that the Lighthouse Mission did so much for so many, without any means of support except donations. Please let these words go to your heart! If you are one of the more fortunate among us, please consider donating Food, Clothes, Money, Equipment and or Services to this worthy organization.

Call Pastor Jim and ask him what he needs! 631 758 7584


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