Nicholas Center program stocks Long Island pantries with help from local businesses
Two local businesses have made donations this month to boost a Long Island nonprofit making an impact in Port Washington.
Compass Realty in Manhasset and Port Washington Meat Center have donated food and personal hygiene items to Port Provides Powered by The Nicholas Center, an effort headed by the nonprofit providing necessities not covered by SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) to neighbors-in-need via local food pantries.
Elias and Helen Moraitis, proprietors of Port Washington Meat Center, donated chicken and meat and 170 pounds of fish to the organization, while a donation drive held among staff at Compass Realty in Manhasset collected and delivered boxes of diapers, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene items for The Nicholas Center.
Volunteers from The Nicholas Center source, package and deliver the items to food pantries in Port Washington, including Our Lady of Fatima Parish Outreach, Littig House and St. Peter of Alcantara Parish Social Ministry.
“I take great pride in my team at Compass for their recent initiative to partner with The Nicholas Center and the pantry program, Port Provides Powered by The Nicholas Center for this year’s Holiday Diaper Drive helping local families struggling to afford basic needs,” shared Traci Conway Clinton of Compass Realty via written statement. “We are grateful for having the opportunity to assist and very much look forward to future collaborations.”
Founded in 2011, The Nicholas Center is a nonprofit that creates innovative programs and services allowing autistic individuals to learn, live and work in their community. Their newest program, Port Provides Powered by The Nicholas Center, began in 2023.
Development Director Lee Anne Vetrone expressed her gratitude for the generous donations. “With their help, we are able to offer varied and important experiences to the autistic participants we serve and make a real difference in our communities,” she said in the statement.
