Suffolk County Public Libraries
Below are libraries from Suffolk County that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2023! Check back often for updates; details about programs will begin to be shared around the beginning of September. Please contact libraries directly for questions regarding offered programming.
The Great Giveback Food Drive
October 1st-31st
All ages
Food is a human right and is an immediate and tangible way to help someone. Every donation of food helps. We accept donations of non-perishable food in jars, cans and sealed packets. We cannot accept anything homemade, expired, or opened. All donated items will be given to the Amagansett Food Pantry for distribution. The donation box will be located inside of the library’s front door. Donations can be made anytime the library is open beginning October 1 and ending October 31st.
No registration required
Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library
Hygiene Drive
October 2nd to 31st
All ages
The Library will be collecting travel sized hygiene products for those in need. The items will be used in our Clean Cabinet located in our library’s entrance and open to all in our community. Some item suggestions are: shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer and deodorant. Please bring your items to the Children’s Services desk.
Registration not required
The Great Giveback
October 1st from 10:00am-4:00pm
All ages with adult
The mission of The Great Giveback is to provide a day of opportunities for patrons of Suffolk County libraries to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. Drop by the Children’s Department between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to take part in a variety of community service activities.
No registration required
Teen Great Giveback
October 21st from 11:00am-3:00pm
Ages 13-17
Earn up to 4 hours of community service and give back to your community at the same time during our Great Giveback event! We will have various activities available that earn you community service. Activities include: Blackout Poetry, Quilt Murals & Bookmarks for Patrons.
Brentwood School District Residents Only
Donate Items for Those in Need
September 1 through October 14
All ages
Donations accepted September 1 -October 14. Kits for Care will assemble on October 14, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Drop off toiletries (bandages, wet wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc.), small non-perishable food items, socks, gloves and/or water bottles. Items will be used to make personal care kits for those in need.
Registration not required
Paws of War
September 1 through October 14
All ages
Paws of War trains and places shelter dogs to serve and provide independence to our U.S. military veterans suffering from the emotional effects of war. Donations of food, leashes, toys, and any supplies for cats or dogs.
Registration not required
Community Clean-up
October 21 at 9:00 AM
All ages
The Brookhaven Village Association and BFL are teaming up to help keep our local streets clean. Meet at the library; all supplies will be provided and participants will be invited to meet back at the library for a thank you brunch at 11:00 AM.
Registration not required
Center Moriches Free Public Library
Craft Kits to Donate
October 18th from 7:00-8:00pm
6th – 12th Grade
For the Great Give Back this year we will be making craft kits to donate to LI Lends a Helping Hand. You will be making a difference to those in need. An hour of community service will be given to each teen who participates.
Registration is required. This program is limited to teens with a valid Center Moriches Free Public Library card.
Letters of Encourgement
October 1st
All ages
Throughout the month of October, we will be collecting letters, cards, postcards and/or drawings that we will distribute to various organizations that will get them to individuals who could use a smile. Patrons can choose to write to a senior in Islandia Arbors West Nursing Home, a parent or baby in Stony Brook Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or to military troops serving overseas. We will provide our patrons with some materials to help them create letters. They can return their finished creations to the library by November 1st and we will take care of distributing them. We hope our community will join us in making the day brighter for someone who could use a little encouragement
Regisstration not required
Beach Clean Up
October 21st from 11:00am-1:00pm
Shore Road Sanctuary
Teens
Take a tour of the Shore Road Sanctuary here in CSH, learning about the biodiversity on the shoreline with a member of the North Shore Land Alliance. We will end the program by cleaning up debris along the beach.
Registration Required with CSH Library Card
Baby Supplies Donation Drive
October 1st-31st
All ages
Through the month of October, please drop by the Library to make a donation to the Baby Blessings Program to benefit the Helping Hand Rescue Mission in Huntington Station. Diapers, wipes, new or gently used clothing, formula, blankets, and baby or toddler toys are appreciated.
No registration required
Drop-In Community Service Event
October 21st 2pm to 4pm
Grades 6th to 12th
Stop by the Library to participate in a variety of community service projects that will help benefit different organizations in your community! A maximum of two community service hours may be earned.
Participants must attend for at least one hour and be a Commack School District student to receive community service credit. No registration required.
Volunteer Fair
October 17th 4 to 6pm
Adults/Teens
Representatives from organizations will discuss local opportunities for a variety of ages.
No registration required
Pumpkins for Pantry Donations
October 21st from 10am to 4pm
Children of all ages with caregivers
Comsewogue Public Library will offer a free sugar pumpkin on October 21, while supplies last, to every participant who donates a non-perishable food item to AGAPE Meals for Kids (donation bin located at the library).
No registration required
Pet Paw-ty (School-age children with caregivers)
October 21st from 11am to 12pm
Families will work together to create banners, bags, cards, and treat jars for pets at a local shelter. Instructor Theresa Maritato will guide families through this celebration. Please bring in a new pet toy to be added to the bags.
Registration is required. Registration begins September 27 for district residents.
Pet Paw-ty (grades 6-12)
October 21st from 2:30-3:30pm
Work in teams to create banners, bags, cards + treat jars for pets that have been at the shelter for a longer time. We hope that this celebration will bring them luck!
Registration is required. Registration begins September 27 for district residents.
Crochet Worry Worm
September 21st at 7pm
Adult
Bring your favorite yarn and crochet hook to this fun class, where Aimee Saccio will show you how to make Worry Worms. Designed to be a worry and/or secret keeper, they will be bagged with a little note (to be provided) and donated to the Children & Family Services Department to brighten up a child’s day.
No registration required
Pet Supplies Donation Drive
October 20th 9am to 5pm
All ages
Adult Services is collecting puppy food, wee-wee pads, dog beds, non-rawhide treats, wet and dry adult dog food, wet and dry cat food. These supplies will be donated to Paws of War.
No registration required
Coat Drive
October 21st 9am to 5pm
All ages
Adult Services is collecting clean, gently used winter coats for persons of all ages. These coats will be donated to the Town of Islip Youth Bureau for distribution to those in need in our area.
No registration required
Cell Phone Donation Drive
October 21st 9am to 5pm
All ages
The Learning Commons is collecting used cell phones. These cell phones will be donated to 911 Cellphone Bank, which erases the devices and dispenses them to law enforcement and victims’ agencies to distribute to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.
No registration required
Diaper Donation Drive
October 21st 9am to 5pm
All ages
Children & Family Services is collecting NEW packages of baby diapers. These essentials will be donated to Angels of LI and distributed to families in need.
No registration required
No-Sew Blankets
October 21st 10am to 11am
Teens
Join us in giving back by creating no-sew blankets that will be donated to CancerCare as part of their Share the Warmth program.
No registration required, district residents only.
Stars of HOPE
October 21st 9am to 4pm
All ages
Stars of HOPE is a non-profit organization that offers therapeutic art to communities impacted by natural or human-caused disasters. The goal of the program is to encourage hoe and help survivors focus on emotional wellness through the creation of stars. Please join us in the Children & Family Services Department to decorate a wooden star that will used to encourage hope for those who need throughout our country. While supplies last.
No registration required
Birthday Donation Drive
September 1 to October 31st
All ages
Celebrate the Great Give Back in our all-things birthday donation drive to help families in need. We will be accepting small new toys, blank birthday cards, wrapping paper cake mix, icing, etc. All birthday bags will be donated to local elementary schools.
No registration required
Pet Food Drive
September 1 to October 31st
All ages
Join us as we celebrate the Great Give Back by helping animals in need during our Pet Food Drive. Bring a donation of dog/cat food or treat to benefit the Babylon Animal Shelter.
No registration required
Children’s Halloween Costume Drive
September 3rd to October 14th
All ages
Our Copiague teens will be collecting new or gently used costumes to be distributed just in time for Halloween! Come down to the Library anytime to donate your child’s previous Halloween or dance recital costumes any time to the Children’s Room for our Kid’s Costume Drive on Saturday, October 14 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM.
No registration required
Kid’s Pajama Drive
September 5th to November 30th
All ages
Every child should have the opportunity to celebrate Pajama Day! The Library will be accepting new pajamas to be donated to families in need starting September 5. Pajamas ranging in size 0 to children’s size 18 will be accepted.
Cuts For Kids
September 5th 12 to 3pm
K – 5th Grade
Strong Island Barber Shop of Copiague will be at the Library to provide free haircuts for the first day of school for elementary age students. Cuts will be given in the order of registration.
Registration is required
Car Wash
October 7
Teens
Give back to the community in our first ever volunteer car wash. Join us in the back parking lot as we clean up the neighborhood one car at a time. Dress appropriately.
To participate, a Copiague Library card is required.
Teen Chance Auction Volunteers
October 21st
Teens
Join the Friends of the Library in their annual Chance Auction to assist with setting up and bringing winners their prizes.
Registration begins on Wednesday, August 30 at 10:30 AM. Please contact the library at (631) 691-1111.
Repair Cafe
November 4
Adults
Have a small household item in need of repair? Don’t throw it away! Come down to the library for our annual Repair Café! Volunteers from Starflower Experience and our own local repairers will try to repair your lamp, radio, clock, small appliances, electronics, jewelry, and clothing.
Registration required. Please call the library at (631) 691-1111 to register.
Cutchogue-New Suffolk Free Library
Toys for Shelter Dogs
October 20th from 3:30-4:30pm
Family
Do you love toys? So do dogs! Come to the library and help us make toys for the shelter pups at ARF. Kids will braid strips of donated towels to give to the cute canines currently living at the ARF shelter.
Registration required
E-Waste Recycling with EcoTech
October 21st from 10:00am-2:00pm
Adults
Bring your used computers, cell phones, printers, televisions, keyboards, cables, wires, circuit boards, CD-ROMS or stereos to the library parking lot for safe disposal. Items Not Accepted: large appliances, microwave ovens, power tools, lawn mowers, fluorescent bulbs and vacuum cleaners.
No registation required
Book Sale
October 21st from 9:30am-4:30pm
All ages
Come on down for a wide selection of gently used adult and children’s books!
No registration required
Recycled Crafts for Kids
October 21st from 9:30am-4:30pm
Kids
Join us in our efforts to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Recycled materials will be on hand for kids to use their imagination and create something aweome with those items.
No registration required
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library
Pet Supplies Drive
October 2nd-29th
All ages
Emma Clark Library is collecting new pet supplies (food, blankets, leashes, cleaning supplies, etc.) in the Library lobby to be donated to local organizations that help pets in need. All are welcome to donate (residents or non-residents) during Library hours.
No registration required
Dog or Cat Toy “Take & Make”
September 18th to October 21st
Grades 3-6
Create a dog or cat toy at home and earn 1 hour of community service credit. Register starting September 18 to reserve your Cat Kit OR Dog Kit at emmaclark.org/programs. Then come and pick it up! Return it to the Children’s Library by Saturday, October 21, and we’ll donate them to a local animal shelter. One dog or cat kit per child, please.
This “Take & Make” community service program is open to Three Village residents only.
Knotted Fleece Blankets for Pets in Need (“Take & Make”)
October 2nd – October 6th
Grades 7 – 12 Pick up the kits Monday, October 2 through Friday, October 6. Instructions to make the blankets will be provided via email. Two hours of community service credit will be earned upon return of the completed project.
This community service program is open to Three Village residents only. Registration is required. Go to emmaclark.org/programs to reserve your “Knotted Fleece Blankets for Pets in Need” kit now. “
John’s Place
October 1st-27th
All ages
This year Floyd Memorial Library is collecting new items for John’s Place in Greenport. Please consider donating to support our neighbors at the winter homeless shelter, John’s Place at St. Agnes Church.
~Socks ~ Gloves ~ Hats ~ Undergarments ~ T-Shirts~
Donation box is located near the entrance of the Children’s Room at Floyd Memorial Library.
John’s Place, a Winter Homeless Shelter at St. Agnes, Greenport.
The mission of John’s Place is to provide a safe, warm, dry place to sleep as well as giving our guests the opportunity to take hot showers, receive nourishing meals, medical assistance and much needed warm winter clothing.
No registration required
Travel-sized Toiletry Drive
October 1st to October 31st
All ages
We will be collecting donations of travel-size toiletries such as: baby wipes, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, gallon Ziploc Bags, Hand-warmers, Band-aids and hand sanitizer.
No registration required
Sock Drive
October 1 to October 21st
Adult
Adult services will be collecting socks for this year’s Great Give Back! Please drop off new items at the library, donation box will be at the reference desk from October 1st- October 21st.
No Registration require
Main Street Clean Up with BVIS
October 21st 10am to 11am
All ages
We are partnering up with the Bridgehampton Village Improvement Society to help clean up Main Street after a very busy summer! Meet us on the Library front lawn. Community service hours will be awarded to those who participate. Gloves and bags will be provided.
Registration is encouraged but not required
DIY Pet Toys
October 25th 3:30 to 4:30pm
Teens
Create cute dog and cat toys to be donated to our local animal shelter.
District Residents Only
Pet Pantry
October 9th – November 8th
All ages
We are collecting food and supplies for pets at the Southampton Animal Shelter! Bring in your donations to help the pets in need.
No registration required
Take Care Kits
October 9th – December 31st
Teens, grades 7-12
Drop in and help us put together basic-needs-kits for teens in need, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, menstrual products, and more.
No registration required
The Great Give-Away 2023
October 13th from 12:00-3:00pm
All ages
Do you have usable items in your home that are too good to throw away? Perhaps someone in the community could put them to good use. By donating you will be reducing waste, saving precious resources and keeping usable things from ending up in a landfill. In addition, you’ll benefit the community by donating and up-cycling. We will be accepting (up to 2 boxes) of gently used, clean, usable items from the following categories: Housewares (pack glassware carefully), Toys, Decorations/Seasonal items, Hobby/craft items, Sports equipment
NOTE: Books, DVDs, clothing and shoes will not be accepted. We reserve the right to refuse items that are not usable or practical. Please, no used drink containers or stained coffee mugs.
Drop off: 9:30 – 11:30 AM in the Library’s Circular Driveway. Staff Volunteers will accept items on the day of the event only.
Shop for FREE: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
* No registration, open to all
The Great Give Bag: Halloween Bags
Saturday, October 21 from 12:30-1:30 PM
We are giving teens an opportunity to help put smiles on the faces of local children in need for Halloween by decorating and filling tote bags with treats and maybe a few tricks. Volunteers are asked to bring a bag of pre-packaged mini-candies or snacks that will be sorted and shared amongst all the volunteers into the tote bags they decorate. The completed bags will go to The Family Service League to distribute to those in need.
Registration begins October 1st
Support our Furry Friends at the Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center!
We will have a bin in the Children’s Room for your donations of food items, blankets, towels, toys, etc…that we will donate to the Shelter. To make a monetary donation please visit: www.littleshelter.org/donate
The Great Give Back
October 21st 12pm to 2pm
All ages
Help us decorate and assemble duffle bags for local foster care agencies. Each bag will be filled with comforting items such as no-sew blankets, stuffed animals, and books.
This is a drop-in event, but teens who wish to receive community service will need to sign up in advance. https://hauppaugelibrary.galaxydigital.com/ (HPL patrons can register beginning 9/6/23; all others beginning 9/9/23)
Give Back to The Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center
October 21st from 10:00am-4:00pm
Main Library – Back Driveway (weather permitting)
All ages
Bring a can of dog/cat food, toy, towel, bowl – something to donate to the shelter and have your pet’s picture taken in costume – or not- in front of our fall garden display. (instamax mini photo – 2.21 in x 3.4 in). While you’re here, let’s help the shelter by making pet toys, no-bake pet treats, no-sew blanket, or coloring a bandana for a pet to wear – all to be donated to The Little Shelter.
No registration required
The Great Give Back Community Yard Sale
October 28th from 10am to 3pm
All ages
The Islip Public Library will be hosting the “Great Give Back” on Saturday, October 21st with a Community Yard Sale, along with “Causes For Kids” hosting a coffee bar, which solely runs on donations. The library will also be hosting a drive all month long, collecting wrapping paper for the “Birthday Wishes Organization” as well as food for the pantry at St. Patrick’s Church in Bayshore.
No registration required
If you would like to have a table at our yard sale, the cost is $10 per Islip cardholder, and $25 for out-of-district cardholders. If interested, please contact Kelly Harvey at kharvey@isliplibrary.org.
The Great Give Back Donation Drive
September 1st to September 30th
All ages
Help JJML get ready for the annual Great Giveback (held on Saturday, October 21) by donating goods to be given to Long Islanders in need. For the month of September, a bin will be available near the lower-level entryway for donations to be placed in. We will be collecting the following items: Unexpired, non-perishable canned/jarred food, including peanut butter, beans, tuna, canned fruits and vegetables, coffee, tea, etc. (please no soups, stuffing, cranberry sauce, or pumpkin). Baby supplies, such as diapers, baby wipes, New personal essentials such as toothpaste, deodorant, and soap.
No registration required
The Great Give Back
October 21st 1pm to 3pm
All ages
The mission of The Great Give Back is to provide a day of opportunities for the patrons of the Public Libraries of New York State to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. Stop into JJML and participate in a variety of activities aimed to help those in need on Long Island. Activities may include decorating tote bags, sorting through donations, creating bookmarks for different nonprofit organizations, etc. Donation bins will also be onsite that day for patrons wishing to donate any of the following items: Unexpired non-perishable canned/jarred food, including peanut butter, beans, tuna, fruits and vegetables, coffee, tea, etc. (please no canned soups, stuffing, cranberry or pumpkin) Baby supplies, such as diapers, baby wipes, New personal essentials such as toothpaste, deodorant, and soap 1 hour of community service will be provided to teens who participate in this event.
No registration required
School and Office Supplies Donation & Swap Shop
October 21st 10am to 2pm
All ages
Join us for this celebration of the Statewide Library Initiative “The Great Giveback,” a day where libraries around the state engage in acts of service. Donate new or gently used school and office supplies by dropping off items in our lobby from October 2 to October 18. Come back to “shop” the swap on the day of the Great Giveback. All items remaining after the swap will be donated to local nonprofit organizations.
No registration required
No-Sew Fleece Blankets
October 21st from 11:00am-12:30pm
Teens (Grades 7-12)
Help keep someone warm this winter! Spend your day off from school making a no-sew fleece blanket that we’ll donate to local families in need.Everyone who participates will receive a certificate for 1.5 hours of community service.
Registration is required. You must have a valid Longwood Public Library Young Adult card to register. Call the Teen Services Desk at 631-924-6400 ext. 249 to register.
The Great Give Back: No-Sew Fleece Blankets
October 21st from 11:00am-12:30pm
Adults
Help create no-sew fleece blankets to be donated to our neighbors in need. It’s an easy and fun project to do while helping others! Please bring fabric scissors if you have them.
Register online at longwoodlibrary.org or call the Adult Services desk at 631-924-6400 ext. 250.
Long Island Cares Food Drive
October 1st-31st
All ages
The library is hosting a food drive to support Long Island Cares during The Great Give Back. We are collecting shelf-stable foods, paper goods, personal hygiene products, pet foods, birthday party supplies, and baby care products. The ten most needed items are milk (non-refrigerated and boxed), rice, canned vegetables, cooking oil, cereals, oatmeal, peanut butter, jelly, canned meats, and tomato sauce. No glass jars.
No registration required
The Great Give Back 2023
October 1st to October 31st
All ages
Toiletries Drive to be donated to CAST.
No registration required
The Great Give Back
October 21st from 10:00am-1:00pm
All ages
Patrons of all ages are invited to create projects for the community such as Kindness Rocks and Notes, Mini Masterpieces, Super Hero Capes, and DIY Puzzles. Patrons can also participate in INSPIRE: a Community Art Project by drawing or writing what inspires you, to be displayed on large letters outdoors at both MCPL locations.
No registration required with most activities taking place at both our Selden and Centereach locations.
The Great Give Back Donation Drive
October 1st-31st
All ages
The Montauk Library will be collecting items for donation all month long to benefit the following local organizations-The Retreat- East Hampton, ARF Hamptons and the Montauk Food Pantry. Please drop donations in the labeled bins inside the Montauk Library. Items needed but not limited to- The Retreat-socks, toiletries, black leggings. ARF Hamptons-pet food, towels, blankets, new dog and cat toys. Montauk Food Pantry- cereal, oatmeal, non-perishable items.
No registration required.
The Great Give Back-Fashion For A Cause
October 21st from 3:00-4:30pm
Ages Three to Ten
Be a star as you walk the runway in your favorite costume, or outfit, to music! Enjoy a glamorous photo-shoot! Help us make a successful event to benefit others, while having fun! Please donate canned goods, or other non-perishable food items to benefit others in our community. You do not have to participate in the Fashion Show to donate to the food pantry. Thank you for helping others in need!
Registration is required (North Babylon Library card holders.) Non-residents may contribute to the food pantry.
Northport-East Northport Public Library
New Baby Items
October 1st-31st
Northport and East Northport Buildings
All ages
The Library is accepting donations of new baby items for Northwell Health Dolan Family Health Center during the month of October. All items will be distributed to local families. Diapers (size 1-4), baby wipes, new clothing, bibs, bottles, and toys are welcome. Contributions may be dropped off at either library building October 1 through October 31.
No registration required
Teen Advisory Board
October 11th from 7:00-8:00pm
Northport Public Library
Teens in grades 7-12
Come learn about The Great Give Back and help make “Adopt Me” plaques for pups at our local animal shelters. One hour of community service credit will be awarded. NENY404
Open to NENPL teens in grades 7-12.
Halloween Costume Swap
Collection: September 11th – October 11th
Pick out a costume: October 14th from 11:00am-1:00pm
Children and teens
Need a little Halloween costume inspiration? Donate your clean, gently used costume from Sept 11th – Oct 11th. Pick out your perfect costume on October 14th during The Great Give Back: Halloween Costume Swap Event at Fall Fest. Please drop off costumes in either donation box; located in front of the Public Service Desk or in the Children’s Department
No registration required
October 14 11am to 1pm
Babies to teens
Donate your clean, gently used costume from Sept 11th – Oct 11th. Pick out your perfect costume on October 14th during The Great Give Back: Halloween Costume Swap Event at Fall Fest. Please drop off costumes in either donation box; located in front of the Public Service Desk or in the Children’s Department.
No registration required.
Friends of Southampton Pet Supply Drive
September 1st – November 1st from 10:00am-5:00pm
All ages
In honor of the Great Give Back, the Quogue Library will be collecting donations and supplies on behalf of the Southampton Animal Shelter! Visit our library to drop off supplies, or visit our website to offer your donations to this wonderful non-profit, no-kill shelter that does their best to place animals into their forever homes.
No registration required
Great Give Back Day
October 14th from 2:00-5:00pm
All ages
Though our donation drive runs until November 1st, come meet the animals you’re helping out at the Quogue Library on Saturday, Oct 14th. This special event will bring you paw-to-paw with the Southampton Animal Shelter’s adorable members, all available for adoption on that day! In addition to a meet-and-greet with the animals, there will also be crafts, different raffles to enter for adults and kids- each with a spectacular different prize, and light refreshments for the whole family!
If the weather is fine, the Great Give Back Day will take place on the front lawn of the library. If the weather does not allow for outside, the Great Give Back Day will be moved inside the library, and all events will take place inside the Children’s Department.
No registration required
DIY Tote Bags for The Great Give Back
Wednesday, October 18, 4:00-5:00pm
Teens
Decorate tote bags for those in need. Earn 1 hour of community service. Earn an extra hour of community service by donating hygiene products, easy open non-perishable food items (tuna packets, pop top soup cans, granola bars, etc.) and socks for youth and adults in need.
Registration is required for the community service programs, and is open to in district residents.
No Bake Dog Treats for The Great Give Back
Saturday, October 21, 11:00am-12:00pm
Teens
Create some simple dog treats for those adoptable, lovable pups in our local shelter!
Participants will earn one hour of community service.
Registration is required for the community service programs, and is open to in district residents.
The Great Give Back Community Drives:
Coat Drive
Friday, September 1-Friday, October 6
We will be collecting gently used coats for children and adults in need.
Help Us, Help Them Collection
Friday, September 1-Friday, October 6
We are collecting new travel size hygiene products, easy open non-perishable food items (tuna packets, pop top soup cans, granola bars, etc.) and socks for youth and adults in need.
Winter Coat Donation
October 21st 9:30am to 5pm
All ages
The library will be collecting new and gently used coats, hats, mittens, and gloves which will be donated to local families in need. Drop off items in either the Family or Teen Departments and create a card for a hospitalized child while you are here. Cards will be mailed to children in hospitals all around the country. All teens who participate will receive an hour of community service.
No registration required
Great Giveback Donation Drive
October 17th-21st
All ages
Great Giveback Donation Drive & Food, Toy and Pet Supply Drive (October 17-21 during Haunted Gardens) Drop off nonperishable food, toiletries, baby supplies, new/unwrapped toys and pet supplies by the entrance to the Haunted Gardens. Collect will take place inside the building during the day.
No registration required
The Great Give Back Lake Ronkonkoma Cleanup
October 28th from 9:30am-12:30am
Lake Ronkomkoma – Michael Murphy Park
Meet us at Lake Ronkonkoma County Beach on Lake Shore Road for a lake clean up. Cleaning supplies will be provided. Participants must provide their own gloves and transportation. All ages welcome. Teens can earn Community Service hours for attending the event.
No registration required
Community Breakfast and Networking Event
October 21st from 10:00am-12:00pm
Adults
Join us for this fun, casual continental breakfast where you can browse information tables from many local volunteer service organizations! Each organization will have representatives present, so you can have your questions answered! This is the place to start to find the organization or effort that is just the right fit for you!
No registration required
The Great Give Back: Little Free Pet Pantry Food Drive and Rescue Picture Frame Project
October 21st from 10:00am-12:00pm
Children
Drop-in with a pet food item or treats to fill our Little Free Pet Pantry and then decorate a pet picture frame that will be donated to local shelters to be given out with adopted pets. Can’t join us on Saturday? Stop by the Children’s Desk anytime during the week of Sunday, October 15 – Saturday, October 21 to pick up a picture frame kit and then return it along with your pet food donation by Saturday, October 28.
No registration required
The Great Give Back: Athletic Equipment Swap
October 21st from 12:00-4:00pm
All ages
Do you have clean, like-new athletic equipment sitting around collecting dust? Bring it down to the library between October 6 – 16 and we’ll make it available at our Great Give Back event where you can “shop” for equipment you may need! You do not need to donate to “shop.”
No registration required
The Great Give Back: National Pasta Day
October 21st from 11:00am-12:00pm
Grades 6-12
Teen Central is collecting nonperishable foods to make a pasta dish from now until October 17th. On the day of The Great Give Back, teens will be putting together items for a complete pasta dish which will be available in our Little Free Food Pantry.
Register at: https://www.sayvillelibrary.org/event/great-give-back-national-pasta-day
Great Give Back 2023
October 1st-21st
All ages
This year, we will be supporting Maureen’s Haven, an organization that assists homeless men and women with supportive services and a safe place to stay during the winter months. Starting on October 1st, we will be collecting toiletries and new socks. On Saturday, October 21st, join us as we put together toiletry kits and package the donations for delivery to Maureen’s Haven.
No registration required
The Great Give Back – Animal Shelter Drive
October 2nd-31st
Commack Building
Families
Families are invited to participate in The Great Give Back. This year, we will be collecting food, toys, beds, blankets and litter for cats and dogs in our local animal shelters. We will be collecting new items from October 2-31 at the Commack Building.
No registration required
The Great Give Back – Cards for Hospitalized Kids
October 21st from 9:30-10:15am
Nesconset Building
6-12 years
Give back and spread smiles. Craft cards that will be sent to Cards for Hospitalized Kids, which will distribute them to hospitals nationwide.
Registration begins on Tuesday, October 3. Library district residents only.
The Great Give Back – Teal Pumpkin Project
October 21st from 10:00am-3:00pm
Smithtown Building
Families
Help make Halloween safe for everyone. Drop in to our Children’s Craft Room to decorate a teal pumpkin decoration to display, letting your neighbors know you are offering allergy-free trinkets and treats this year. Projects are on a first come, first served basis.
No registration required
The Great Give Back – Community Kindness Kits
October 21st from 3:00-4:00pm
Kings Park Building
Families
Help assemble kits of necessities to assist community members.
Registration begins on Friday, September 29. Library district residents only.
The Great Give Back – VolunTeen Fair
October 13th from 6:30-8:30pm
Smithtown Building
For Teens in Grades 6-12
Give back to our community by volunteering to spend an evening creating projects that will be donated to local organizations.
Registration began on September 11. Library district residents only.
The Great Give Back – Thanksgiving Centerpieces
October 21st from 11:30am-12:30pm
Nesconset Building
For Teens in Grades 6-12
Give back and create wooden centerpieces for families in need this Thanksgiving. All completed projects will be donated to Long Island Cares, Inc.
Registration began on September 11. Library district residents only.
The Great Give Back – Take and Make – No Sew Dog Treats
October 21st from 9:30am-5:00pm
All ages
Do you want to give back and help animals at the same time? Take home a bag filled with the supplies needed to create a dog toy for a local shelter animal. Bags can be picked up from any Reference Desk on October 21 and finished toys must be returned by October 31; supplies are available on a first come, first served basis.
No registration required
South Huntington Public Library
Coat Drive
October 1st to 31st
All ages
Join us as we support New York State’s Great Giveback, where libraries get together to help their communities. Donate your gently worn (no rips or stains) children’s coats! All coats will be donated to children needing a warm coat this winter. Coats will be collected during library business hours. Look for the designated box in the Children’s Room.
No registration required
Create Dog Toys: A Community Service Program
October 7th 1pm to 3pm
6th to 12th grade
Give back to our four legged friends by braiding recycled t-shirts to create tog toys. This in person program takes place in the YA Library and requires experience with cutting fabric and braiding. One dog toy equals one hour of community service with a maximum of two hours.
For SHPL cardholders in 6-12 grade. No registration required.
American Bluebird Houses
October 14th 10:30am to 11:30am
Grades 2-6
Give back to our small feathered friends by creating a cozy home for them to nest in by next Spring!
Registration Required
Make a Baby Bib to donate
October 14th 10am to 12pm
All ages
Give back to new mothers by using Cricut-inspired designs to decorate and create adorable baby bibs. Bibs will be donated to various local organizations and hospital maternity wards.
No registration
The Great Give Back
October 21st 11am to 2pm
Join us as we “give back” to our community. It’s a day full of creating community connections, but all month long. We will have human & pet food drives, garden harvest table, craft tables, MuttiGrees activities, and much more.
Great Give Back 2023 Harvest Table
October 1st to October 30th
From the WBPL Community Garden to your table. When all the hard work pays off and we can enjoy the fruits of our labor. Stop in anytime during the month of October to pick from our Harvest Table. Don’t forget to save the seeds to keep the seed library growing!
Suffolk County Police Department K9 Unit Demonstration
October 21 11 am-12 pm
All ages up to Grade 12
With caregiver Canine officers and their four-legged partners are critical to the SCPD. Learn about all their training, job duties, and what they do when they aren’t busy with police work.
Trunk or Treat
October 15 to Oct 21st 10am to 3pm
12 -18
We are collecting donations for the Bide a Wee and Gloves, hats and socks during Trunk or Treat. They can also help set up for Trunk or Treat.
No registration required
Click here to view past GGB events from Suffolk County Public Libraries.