SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — If you're like many of your neighbors in Southampton, you may spend much of the holiday season with your credit card in hand buying gifts for family and friends. An opportunity to give back to the local community is coming soon.
Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on December 3, is a day dedicated to supporting non-profit and community groups. Since 2012, nonprofits around the world have used the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to mobilize fundraising, rally volunteers and give momentum to their causes.
Sustaining funding is an ongoing challenge for many non-profit organizations that fill gaps and meet other needs in the Southampton area.
Here are five local nonprofits to consider on Giving Tuesday:
1. Heart of the Hamptons: More than 42 years ago, members of the Southampton community came together and founded an organization to help those in need. A small food pantry and emergency aid center were started. The organization continued to grow and in 2003, Heart of the Hamptons officially became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over the years, HOH has developed a network of programs and established community partnerships to enhance outreach and effectiveness. Headquarters at 168 Hill Street in Southampton Village are provided by the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.
Today, Heart of the Hamptons offers a food storage and assistance program to more than 2,100 households each year with the help of more than 200 volunteers and an active board of directors. Assistance program services include a multifaceted approach to crisis intervention, medical assistance funding, senior assistance, school supplies and summer meals for school children. Heart of the Hamptons also connects people in need with other available resources in our local community.
The group's main annual fundraiser, the Polar Bear Plunge, held every second Saturday in December at Cooper's Beach in Southampton Village, is a highly anticipated event that attracts hundreds of people who raise funds to support their community.
2. Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation: The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit, open, no-kill shelter that relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to care for homeless animals in the community and place them in loving forever homes . The sanctuary provides a stepping stone for these animals — offering them housing, food, medical care, training and rehabilitation while they are in the care of SASF. For 14 years since the city eliminated the shelter and SASF was founded, “we've been dedicated to caring for homeless animals in our community of 25 hamlets and villages, but we don't stop there. We rescue dogs from 'kill shelters' and dire situations across the country from New York to Georgia and even across the Caribbean,” the group said.
3. The Angels of Lucia: Lucia's Angels is a foundation committed to helping women and families in Eastern Long Island with late-stage female cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, and uterine cancer .
The foundation was created in memory of Lucia Terzi Bagan. Lucia's Angels has provided assistance and funding for: gas gift cards, grocery gift cards, heating bills, dental work, house cleaning, rent, glasses, meal trains, babysitting, heating bills, health insurance, car repair, walking trips, massage therapy , transportation, hairdressing services and wigs. From special wishes like one more trip to the beach, to providing extra childcare, to holding a hand, Lucia's spirit and the Angels will be there.
4.Bridgehampton Childcare & Recreation Center: Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center (“The Center”) is a non-profit organization that serves primarily, but not limited to, the low-income African American and growing immigrant populations in Bridgehampton and surrounding communities. The purpose of the Center is to offer the highest quality educational and recreational programs to local children, youth and their families. The Center is committed to motivating children and participating adults to reach their full potential.
5. Maureen's Haven: Maureen's Haven Homeless Outreach is dedicated to supporting the homeless on Long Island's East End. “We offer supportive services, programs, and access to case management, and our visitors can enjoy a meal, get clothing, and access basic needs at our day center year-round. We also provide a safe, warm temporary shelter to homeless people , from November through April, using volunteer houses of worship and church facilities support through embracing the values of human dignity, respect, service, of compassion, teamwork, diversity and love,” the group states.
