Below are libraries in the Suffolk Cooperative Library System that will be participating in The Great Give Back 2026! 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.
Click here to view past GGB events from Suffolk County Public Libraries.
Donation Drive for The Retreat
10/1/2026 to 10/31/2026
All ages
As part of The Great Give Back, from October 1-31, we are holding a donation drive for The Retreat! Please drop off new items in the donation bins in the front of the building.
Especially needed are:
-New underwear and socks (women’s and children’s, all sizes)
-Hair brushes
-Full size shampoo & conditioner
-Diapers
-Leggings for women
-Pajamas for girls and boys, from 2T up to teens
The Retreat creates safety, healing, and hope for those affected by domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking, while working every day to prevent and break the cycle of violence.
The Great Give Back with Marty Lyons Foundation “Well Wishes” Campaign
10/17/2026 from 11:00 – 4:00
All ages
Be a part of the annual Great Give Back event. Support the Marty Lyons Foundation and create well wishes cards for Lorenzo; every note of “Well Wishes” written, a $1 donation will be given to the Marty Lyons Foundation generously by The Avellino Family (5 cards=1 hour of community service).
No registration required
Center Moriches Free Public Library
Bandanas & Blankets for Shelter Animals
10/17/2026 from 1:30-3:30
Ages: Children and Teens
Help us create some handmade items to donate to the Islip Animal Shelter. We will make bandanas and blankets for animals awaiting their forever homes. We will also make and decorate some cards to congratulate their new families on their adoption day!
Registration is required and limited to Central Islip residents
Cutchogue New Suffolk Free Library
Card Making for Southold Town Senior Services
10/19/2026 from 5:30-6:30
All Ages
Join us for the 10th Anniversary of the Great Give Back, a Suffolk County Library initiative for libraries to give back to the community. This year’s project will be making cards for the senior population that will be distributed as a part of the Meals on Wheels Program through Southold Town. The senior adults delight in receiving a homamade card from the children. This certainly will brighten their day!
Please register at www.cutchoguelibrary.org or by calling the library at 631 734-6360.
Emma S. Clark Memorial Library
Pet Supplies Drive
10/3/2026 – 11/1/2026
All ages
Here at Emma Clark Library, we’re collecting new pet supplies (food, blankets, leashes, cleaning supplies, etc.) in the lobby to be donated to local organizations that help pets in need. All are welcome to donate (residents or non-residents) during Library hours.
Questions? Email askus@emmaclark.org
No registration required. Stop by during library hours with your donations.
Dog or Cat Toy “Take & Make”
10/1/2026 – 10/17/2026
Ages: Grades 3 – 5
Create a dog or cat toy at home while earning 1 hour of community service credit!
Open to Three Village residents. Reserve your Cat Kit or Dog Kit starting 10/1 at emmaclark.org/programs. Then come and pick it up! Return it to the Children’s Library by Saturday, October 17, and we’ll donate them to a local animal shelter. One dog or cat kit per child, please.
Dog Treat Jars for Pet Supply Drive
10/7/2026 from 4:30-5:30
Ages: Grades 3 – 5
Come get crafty with us as we decorate treat jars for our furry friends—these “pawsome” creations will be donated to our Pet Supply Drive! Participants will earn one hour of community service credit.
Open to Three Village residents in Grades 3 – 5. Reserve your child’s spot at emmaclark.org/programs starting 9/23.
Cat Treat Bundles for Pet Supply Drive
10/21/2026 from 4:30-5:30
Ages: Grades 3 – 5
Join us to create treat bundles for our feline friends! These “purr-fect” packages will be donated to our Pet Supply Drive! Participants will earn one hour of community service credit. For Three Village residents in Grades 3 – 5. Register your child at emmaclark.org/programs starting 10/7.
Beautiful Beagles
10/10/2027 from 1:00-2:00
Ages: Grades 6 – 12
Create beautiful collages featuring adoptable beagles! These collage will be donated to a Beagle Rescue, which will give them to new adopters. Taught by Theresa Maritato. Earn 1 hour of community service credit for participating. For Three Village residents in Grades 6 – 12. Register at emmaclark.org/programs starting 9/15.
Decorated Dog Sweaters
10/26/2026 from 6:00 – 7:00
Ages: Grades 6 – 12
Decorate adorable dog sweaters, to be donated to a local animal rescue. Taught by Jackie Parente. Earn 1 hour of community service credit for participating. For Three Village residents in Grades 6 – 12. Register at emmaclark.org/programs starting 9/15.
The Great Give-Away
Friday, October 23rd (Weather Permitting)
All ages (primarily adult)
DROP OFF: 9:00 – 10:00 AM
Staff Volunteers will accept items in the Circular Driveway
on the day of the event only.
SHOP for FREE: 10:00 – 2:00 PM
Do you have usable items in your home that are too good to
throw away? Perhaps someone in our community could put them
to good use. By donating you will be reducing waste, saving
precious resources and keeping usable things out of the landfill.
In addition, you’ll benefit our community by donating and up
cycling. We will be accepting (up to 2 boxes) of your 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.
Registration is not required and is open to all.
The Great Give Back: Support Our Furry Friends
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
Children
This year the Children’s Room is encouraging children and their families to bring in food items, blankets, towels, toys, etc. that we will donate to the Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center of Huntington. We will have a donation bin in the Children’s Room so families can come in and donate the requested items between October 1st-31st.
Registration is not required.
The Great Give Back: Send Some Smiles Through the Marty Lyons Foundation
10/16/2026 from 4:30-5:30
Harborfields Teens in grades 7 through 12
Help us spread a little kindness to a local young boy who could use some extra encouragement. Create cheerful cards, bookmarks, and messages to brighten his day. This program supports the Marty Lyons Foundation, which grants wishes to children facing serious illnesses. Earn 1 hour of community service.
Marty Lyons Foundation Letter Writing Campaign
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
Children grades 1 – 5
The foundation grants wishes to children diagnosed with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. Throughout October, children are invited to participate in a Well Wish letter-writing campaign for Lorenzo, a 4-year-old wish child. Flyers and additional information will be available in the Children’s Room.
Registration is not required.
Great Give Back Card and Donation Drive
9/1/2026 – 9/30/2026
All ages
Write a notecard of encouragement and/or donate an item from an official wishlist to help the National Kidney Foundation bring comfort and a smile to patients at local dialysis treatment centers.
Registration not required. Drop in to make a card or drop off donations.
Cemetery Cleanup – Old Burying Ground Cemetery
10/17/2026 from 10:00 – 2:00
Rain date: Saturday, November 7th
Location: Old Burying Ground Cemetery, 228 Main Street, Huntington, NY – (located behind the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Building)
Ages: Families
Help preserve a piece of Huntington’s history by joining the Huntington Public Library for a community volunteer day at the Old Burying Ground Cemetery. Together, we’ll respectfully clean around the historic gravestones and plant spring-flowering bulbs that will brighten the cemetery for years to come. It’s a meaningful opportunity to honor those who came before us while helping beautify this treasured historic site.
If you would like to volunteer and join us, please contact the library at 631-427-5165, ext. 173. Participants will be required to sign a “hold harmless” agreement to participate in the clean up project.
Great Give Back: Upcycled Dog Toys
10/16/2026 from 2:30 – 3:30
Age: Adult
Transform your old t-shirts into braided dog tug toys for our furry friends at a local animal shelter. Please bring a t-shirt to cut and braid.
Registration required.
Great Give Back: Cards for Veterans
10/17/2026 from 11:00 – 12:00
Age: Teens in 7th – 12th grade.
This year, as the country commemorates America 250, The Great Giveback is partnering with America Gives which encourages volunteerism. Join us to make cards for veterans that will be donated to brighten someone’s day in celebration of the Great Giveback!
Teens will receive one hour of community service.
Registration is required for this event.
Registration will open on October 2, 2026 @ 9:30am.
A library card is required to register for this event.
Great Give Back: Tote Bags & Catnip Toys
10/17/2026 from 11:00 – 12:00
Age: School-Age Children aged 8-12, in 3rd to 6th Grade.
Join us to give back to our community. Decorate tote bags and make catnip toys to donate to people and animals in need. Participants will receive one hour of community service.
Registration is required for this event.
Registration will open on September 30, 2026 @ 9:30am.
A library card is required to register for this event.
Great Give Back Food Drive
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
All ages
During the Great Give Back 2026, the library is collecting donations for Long Island Cares. We welcome shelf-stable foods, paper goods, personal hygiene items, pet food, baby care products and birthday party supplies. Please, no glass jars.
No registration
Donation Drive for Southold Animal Shelter
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
All ages
For the month of October, Mattituck-Laurel Library will be collecting items to be donated to the Southold Animal Shelter. Some of the items requested are blankets, paper towels, wet dog food, treats for cats and dogs and toys for cats and dogs. Teens who donate items can earn community service hours!
No registration required.
Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library
Great Give Back at MCPL
Saturday, 10/17/2026 from 9:30 – 4:00
Sunday, 10/18/2026 from 1:00 – 4:00
All ages
Location: Centereach and Selden buildings
1-“Well Wishes Cards” – Support the Marty Lyons Foundation and create well wishes cards for Lorenzo. For every note of “Well Wishes” written a $1 donation will be given to the Marty Lyons Foundation generously by The Avellino Family.
2-“Paper Kindness Quilt” – Add kind words and drawings to our kindness quilt that will displayed in the library.
The Great Give Back
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
All Ages
The Montauk Library will be collecting donations throughout the month of October to benefit the following local organizations: The Retreat, ARF Hamptons and the Montauk Food Pantry. Please drop donations in the labeled bins inside the Montauk Library.
Suggested items:
-The Retreat: socks, toiletries, black leggings
-ARF Hamptons: pet food, dog and cat treats, towels, fleece blankets, new dog/cat toys, pet beds
-Montauk Food Pantry: canned tuna, corn, beans. peanut butter, oatmeal, mac ‘n’ cheese, rice
No Registration Required
Northport-East Northport Public Library
Teen Advisory Board: The Great Give Back
10/15/2026 from 6:00 – 7:00
Location: East Northport Public Library
Ages: Teens Grades 7-12
Help us celebrate The Great Give Back and make no-sew blankets to be donated to local animal shelters. Meet an adoptable pup from the Little Shelter and learn about all that they do!
NENPL cardholders only. Registration begins October 1.
Pet Supply Collection
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
All ages
During the month of October, the Northport-East Northport Public Library will be collecting pet supply items to be donated to the Town of Huntington Dog and Cat Shelters. Your contributions will directly benefit the animals that are being cared for at the Shelters as they await their fur-ever homes. Donations may be dropped off at the collection tables in the lobby of either library building.
Requested items:
-dog and cat food (unopened, canned or dried)
-dog and cat treats (unopened)
-leashes and collars (new or gently-used)
-blankets and towels (new or gently-used and laundered)
-laundry detergent (unscented)
No registration required
Patchogue-Medford Public Library
Halloween Costume Swap
10/10/2026 from 11:30 – 1:30
Location: Fall Fest in Patchogue (in front of the Library)
Age: Children and teens
Need a little Halloween costume inspiration? Donate your clean, gently used costume starting September 1st. Pick out your perfect costume on October 10th during The Great Give Back: Halloween Costume Swap Event at Fall Fest. Donations accepted at all 3 Patchogue-Medford Library locations.
No registration required
Great Give Back- Donation Drives
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
All ages
The Great Give Back initiative, organized by the Public Libraries of New York State, provides communities with an opportunity to participate in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. Sachem Teen Leaders Club is collecting new, unopened non-perishable food, pet supplies, toys, toiletries, dental hygiene items, self-care items for veterans and new pajamas for community members in need.
Donation bins will be available in our main lobby throughout the month of October. Additionally, a tent will be set up during our annual Haunted Gardens event, which is a four-night free event that attracts hundreds of people each night. We encourage attendees to bring a donated item. Throughout the month, teen volunteers will assist in packing the donations. All collected items will be donated to local organizations.
The Great Give Back: Lake Ronkonkoma Cleanup
10/24/2026 from 10:00 – 12:00
Location: Lake Ronkonkoma County Beach
All Ages
In partnership with the Lake Ronkonkoma Improvement Group, volunteers will work together to help clean up and care for the lake. This community service project is a great way to give back, help protect our local environment, and make a positive impact in our community.
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.
Registration is required at https://sachem.librarycalendar.com/event/great-give-back-lake-ronkonkoma-cleanup-202257
Great Give Back
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
All ages
The Great Give Back is a countywide service initiative that takes place every October. This year we are celebrating the Great Give Back by collecting canned and shelf stable foods to donate to the Shelter Island Food Pantry and collecting clean towels, blankets, sheets, and pillowcases to donate to the local Animal Control. Goods can be dropped off at the library trailer. Please do not donate expired or perishable items.
Registration not required, please drop all goods off before the end of the day 10/31.
South Huntington Public Library
The Great Give Back
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
Age: Families
Location: All Buildings
Families are invited to join in the Great Give Back. The Children’s Department will be collecting birthday party supplies, which will be donated to Branches Long Island, an organization that helps families in need. Items such as paper plates, plastic or paper cups, napkins, birthday candles, cake mix and frosting can be brought to any building.
No registration required.
The Great Give Back – Birthday Cards
10/17/2026 from 10:00 – 3:00
Children
Location: All Buildings
Send a smile to a senior! Stop by the Children’s Department during these hours to create
birthday cards for local seniors, which will be donated to the Town of Smithtown’s Senior
Citizens Department.
No registration required.
The Great Give Back – Give Back and Give Thanks
10/7/2026 from 4:00 – 5:00
Location: Nesconset Building
Age: Teen
It’s time for the Great Give Back. Help local soup kitchens get ready for Thanksgiving
when you decorate placemats, centerpieces and roll silverware.
Registration required; Smithtown Library cardholders only.
The Great Give Back – Warming Kits Volunteers
10/15/2026 from 4:00 – 5:00
Location: Kings Park Building
Age: Teen
Join us to make warming kits that will be given to those in need this winter season.
Registration required; Smithtown Library cardholders only.
The Great Give Back – No Sew Fleece Hats
10/17/2026 from 2:00 – 4:00
Age: Teen
Location: Smithtown Building
Help celebrate the Great Give Back by creating no sew hats to donate to children’s organizations in the Smithtown community.
Registration required; Smithtown Library cardholders only.
The Great Give Back – Hands Only CPR
10/17/2026 from 4:00 – 5:00
Age: Teen
Location: Commack Building
Give back to our community by learning this important lifesaving skill from the Commack
Volunteer Ambulance Corp. Teens will have the opportunity to practice the techniques
they’ve learned and will earn community service credit for participating.
Registration required; Smithtown Library cardholders only.
The Great Give Back – Comfort Bags for the Kidney Foundation
10/17/2026 from 10:00 – 11:30 AM
Age: Adult
Location: Smithtown Building
Join us to create a little comfort for the National Kidney Foundation. Help us pack
up small bags with thoughtful items to bring encouragement and a smile to patients during
long hours of dialysis treatment.
Registration required; Smithtown Library cardholders only.
The Great Give Back
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
All ages
We are proud to participate in the Great Give back by collecting donations for The Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Your donations help provide care for local wildlife and support the Refuge’s important work.
The Refuge is in need of:
-Craft supplies
-Gift cards to Amazon , Lidl, Chewy, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Petco, Staples, Stop & Shop, and True Value
-Nitrile disposable gloves (sizes M and XL)
-Paper towels (recycled products preferred)
-Drop off donations at the Library throughout October!
AND
The Library collects donations year-round for the local food pantry and our “Little Food Pantry”. Our donation bin is in the Library lobby.
The Great Give Back – Grocery Store Drive
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
All ages
Help the Library support our community! We are teaming up with HUGS, Inc. and the Westhampton Beach Police Department to collect grocery store gift cards. Please purchase either a King Kullen or Stop & Shop card and drop it off at The Library, HUGS, Inc. office, or the police department. The cards will be delivered to the food pantry at Immaculate Conception Church in time for the cooler weather and holidays.
No registration is required.
The Great Give Back – Well Wishes Cards
10/1/2026 – 10/31/2026
All ages
Create and write wishes, words of encouragement and hope for a local child sponsored by the Marty Lyons Foundation. Visit the Library in October to participate in this community service project.
No registration is required.