SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — Small businesses in the heart of Southampton Village have responded very recently to help residents struggling during the pandemic.
The Business Revitalization Committee was created by former Southampton Village Trustee Kimberly Allan in 2019 to promote year-round tourism and visitor activities during the fall and spring seasons.
When the pandemic hit, the Hamptons saw an increase in year-round residents as second-home owners moved east and stayed—at the same time as food insecurity and other needs rose among the poor in the East End.
With more than 80 families in need of food, shelter and clothing due to the pandemic, Roseanne Gentile of Southampton Elementary School spoke with BRC representatives to determine how and if the local business organization could help, a release said.
The BRC created a program during which participating local businesses displayed holiday boxes which were used to collect donations from customers. As of Dec. 2, more than $10,000 has been raised by more than 50 Southampton Village small businesses.
In addition, some store owners offered families gift certificates for clothing, and other restaurants offered turkeys and Christmas cookies.
While the holidays were the impetus for the targeted program, many local businesses continue to provide food and clothing and funds throughout the winter, the BRC said.
“No one in our very special village should go hungry,” said Shannon Willey, BRC president.
“We offered picnics all summer to the visitors of the village. We now prepare picnics for our neighbors in need,” said Dede Moan of the Southampton Inn.
For information, call Southampton Village Hall at 631-283-0247 or click here.
