With Veterans Day on Wednesday, the Town of Oyster Bay is collecting toiletries for Long Island veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Collection bins are set up at both of the town's town halls, in Oyster Bay and in Massapequa, and they stay out through the end of November.

Everything donated goes to Help for Homeless Long Island Veterans, a nonprofit that does outreach to homeless and at-risk veterans across Long Island and connects them with supplies, resources and referrals. The drive is run by Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Town Clerk Richard LaMarca with VFW Post 6394 in Syosset. The town clerk's office built the collection list from the nonprofit's own wish list of items its veterans need most.

What to bring

The town has asked for everyday personal care items. The list:

  • Toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash
  • Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
  • Deodorant, lotion and skin cream
  • Razors and shaving cream
  • Combs and brushes
  • Lip balm and sunscreen
  • Cotton swabs, tweezers and nail clippers

Where and when to drop off

Bins are available on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at:

  • Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay
  • Town Hall South, 977 Hicksville Road, Massapequa

One is on the North Shore and one is on the South Shore, so most of the town is within a short drive of a bin. The bins are out on weekdays only, so plan a weekday stop. Veterans Day itself is a federal holiday; call ahead before going on November 11.

Who Help for Homeless Long Island Veterans serves

The organization works under the banner No Veteran Left Behind. Its work, as it lays it out, has four parts: finding and connecting with homeless and at-risk veterans, providing essential resources and referrals, helping veterans rebuild their lives, and bringing volunteers and partners together around the cause.

Residents who want to do more than drop off a bag can find volunteer and donation options, and a request form for veterans who need help, on the nonprofit's website.

How the town marks the holiday

The drive is one of several ways the town recognizes local veterans, alongside appreciation events and the Hometown Heroes banners that honor residents who served and hang in town parks.

Questions

For details about the drive, call the Town of Oyster Bay at 516-624-6380 or email [email protected]. The bins stay out through November 30.

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