In 1985, a homeless woman died in Grand Central Station. No one knew her name. She was buried in an unmarked grave in what New York City calls "Potter's Field." Her death was unremarkable; in New York City people die every day-no one is shocked or surprised. This woman wasn't killed by muggers; she didn't die of a heart attack or any disease that we know of. She simply starved to death.

She starved to death in the richest city in the world, within walking distance of hundreds of restaurants.

Five years ago-you may have seen this story in Newsday-an unemployed man froze to death in Glen Cove. He had been living in an abandoned car, and during a particularly long spell of subfreezing weather, he died of hypothermia. He too was buried in an unmarked grave.

Every night, children on Long Island go to bed hungry.

Every day, senior citizens must choose between food and medicine because they can't afford both.

Every day, homeless veterans wonder where their next meal is coming from.

It's so easy to forget that we have many blessings in our lives and that many others do not. If you're like me, and you've enjoyed some good fortune in your life, please consider sharing it with those less fortunate. To help local families in need, please make your check payable to: The Interfaith Nutrition Network or The Coalition for the Homeless. Contributions can be mailed to Dave Golbert, 7 Lee Court West, Great Neck, NY 11024.

We may not be able to help those who are gone, but they need not be forgotten.