In 1916, nurse Ella Purdy established the Westbury Neighborhood House, a public health center at 334 Winthrop Street, that provided immunizations to neighborhood children. Over the years, the center's role within the community quickly began to grow, but the end of World War II brought about a board of health takeover, hindering Neighborhood House's right to administer health care. Rather than closing its doors, however, the center began moving in a different direction, opening its doors to help the poor and needy.

Today, more than 86 years since its inception, Neighborhood House continues to help those in need. Run out of a turn-of-the-century Dutch colonial home under the direction of the Westbury Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood House offers clothing and food, as well as referral services and counseling to more than 1,700 members of the Westbury, Old Westbury, New Cassel and Carle Place communities.

Clients, as those who frequent the not-for-profit association are referred to, range from single parent families, senior citizens, and married couples with children and can include anyone who is on social services, eligible for free lunch or who is borderline poverty level. Most clients are in need of clothing, either for themselves or a child, bed linens and food. Clients looking for clothing are able to browse through the rooms of Neighborhood House.

Items are displayed on shelves and racks throughout the rooms of the house and clients are able to browse through, selecting what they need. Although food and other needed items are given to clients free of charge, financial hardships, as well as a decline in donations, has left the association with no other choice than to charge clients for clothing. In 1997, the association implemented a $1 per bag fee, but even that may be too much for some clients to afford, as many do not have a dollar to spare.

The association relies solely on donations made by members of the community and accepts everything from clothing and household items, to toys and non-perishable food. Over the years, local organizations such as the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs of Westbury and Carle Place, the Church of the Advent, the Islamic Center, local Boys Scout troops, the school district, Long Island Cares and Island Harvest have all made significant contributions. "We look for all kinds of donations," said Ruth Pellegrino, CSW and director of Neighborhood House. "We beg. We borrow. We just don't steal."

Raymond Muntz, a trustee on the association's board of directors, agreed, saying, "Donations go to anyone who needs them. We are helping our own. The stuff goes to our own community."

In addition to material items, the Westbury Neighborhood Association also provides referrals to the local housing department, job placement and immigration office. Counseling is also available, as are referrals to outside services. "We give our clients the resources to help themselves," said Pellegrino. "We encourage them to get the necessary paperwork or forms they need to apply for social services or to get a job. Sometimes, we even drive them over to the office or give them carfare." She added that sometimes a client just doesn't want to take the chance and be helped. "We can't just do it for them. If they don't start to pursue things on their own, you have to back off. If they do something for themselves and feel good aboutit, they will want to continue doing it."

Pellegrino said the association is also in need of monetary support to remain in full operation. The association recently received two grants, one secured by Assemblywoman Donna Ferrara and the other from the Town of North Hempstead, but additional funding is necessary, said Pellegino, since normal maintenance costs are rising, and several long overdue repairs such as a new roof, cement work, chimney cleaning and repairing the front porch are necessary. "We need money," she said. "We need help from organizations who are willing to put their resources into us. We are seeking assistance from local businesses and corporations who can either donate money, time or materials."

Muntz added that the association, which once had some 30 board members, is also in desperate need of young blood. "We need volunteers to help out here as well as for our board of directors," he said. "Board members don't have to live in the area. All they need is a willingness to work hard."

Pellegrino agreed, saying, "We need people who are willing to put in a little effort, help with the cleaning, fundraising and grant writing."

Board member Roberta Oborne said that the people Neighborhood House services is a perfect reason to provide support. "There are so many charitable organizations out there," she said, "but we are one dedicated to helping Westbury and the surrounding areas."

Florida Oregon, a volunteer and client at Neighborhood House, agreed, [Neighborhood House] has helped me with a lot [including] providing food and clothing for my kids. It has made a big difference in my life. There are a lot of people who really need help."

* Provides food, clothing and household items to needy families

* Distributes Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners and toys to children

* Helps clients receive entitlements such as Medicaid, Social Security and food stamps

* Offers counseling and assistance by a certified social worker

* Provides emergency help to families in crisis

* Provides summer camp resources for needy children

Neighborhood House needs donations of new or gently-used clothing, household items, toys, non-perishable food items and money to help needy families of the community. Donations can be dropped off at 334 Winthrop Street, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are also needed to help sort donations and assist clients. For more information, call the Westbury Neighborhood Association at 333-0207.