Thousands of residents came to Walt Whitman High School Saturday to collect food, clothing, diapers and other necessities..
Kiora Johnson, founder and executive director of God’s Blessings Plan, said her organization worked with Suffolk County’s social services department to identify communiities where the need for donations was greatest. Huntington Station was one of four chosen for the Holiday Blessings Tour. Estimates of the number of recipients ranged from 3,000 to 4,000. She said her group collected items and financial support from Feed the Children, True North Church, Long Island Board of Realtors and other organizations.
At one point, a line stretched across the North gym, out the door and along the sidewalk. Recipients waited patiently, collecting donations in cardboard boxes and reusable bags.
Some organizations, such as Northwell Health, which provided flu shots, and the Hispanic Counseling Center, also were on hand, while several South Huntington students and staff assisted with the setup, distribution and cleanup.