A project to help the hungry and, simultaneously, Northport restaurants, is in full swing.
Dr. Barbara Bolen, a clinical psychologist and a member of the Northport Chamber of Commerce, created The Takeout Project, encouraging people to buy gift cards from Northport restaurants, which are then distributed to local food pantries. The Ecumenical Lay Council food pantry in Northport and the St. Anthony’s of Padua St. Vincent dePaul Food Pantry in East Northport are participating.
“Last year, the Project was so needed and successful, and I thank all of you who contributed to that success. I didn’t think we would need it again this year, but here we are,” Bolen said recently.
Last year, the project raised about $9,000, with cards coming from 35 different restaurants around the Northport area.
Bolen knows of at least nine other spinoffs of the enterprise, six on Long Island and three elsewhere.
Supporters can also contribute by buying Northport Dollars, which work like gift certificates and are accepted by numerous Northport businesses.