A week ago, a man in his early 20s froze to death in a wooded area in Huntington. He had been living in a makeshift tent along with four other homeless men. On the night that he died, the temperature dropped to 18 degrees.

At least three other tents were visible in that wooded area. Some of the men who live there are immigrant day labors who came to America in search of a better way of life. Some of them may have been veterans --- it is currently estimated that there are more than 4,000 homeless vets on Long Island.

Every night, more than 100 men, women, and children receive shelter from the Interfaith Nutrition Network (INN), which maintains four emergency shelters as well as long-term housing sites. Not long ago, a local couple with two children were on the brink of living on the streets when they reached out for help.

"The INN welcomed the family into one of our emergency shelters," said Executive Director Jean Kelly. "Then our staff helped the parents formulate goals, map out a plan, and work on steps toward economic independence and stability." The parents received assistance finding work, day care, and an affordable apartment. Today this family has their own home.

Since its founding, the Interfaith Nutrition Network has provided shelter to more than 50,000 adults and children and served more than 6 million meals through its network of 18 soup kitchens in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

To continue providing vital services to those in need, the INN needs our support. A $50 contribution provides one night of shelter for a family of four. A $24 contribution provides 12 meals for hungry children. Donations may be mailed to Dave Golbert, 7 Lee Court West, Great Neck, NY 11024.

Your contribution, in whatever amount you can afford, makes a real difference in the lives of our less fortunate neighbors.

As it is written, "Whoever saves a single life...is as if he or she saves the entire world."