Letters

Thank you for last week’s article on East End for Opportunity, and the assistance that it has provided to the Springs Food Pantry [“East Hampton Charity Turns Its Attention To Feeding The Hungry,” 27east.com, May 3].

Likewise, your editorial about the quiet generosity of the various Southampton golf clubs [“Beacon In The Storm,” Editorial, April 30] highlighted a growing understanding of the economic instability that is wrenching for so many East End families.

Quite clearly, our working poor and our small-business owners (and their employees) have been hardest hit. Because of our seasonal economy, and because of high rents and costly homeownership, these groups have always faced constant or occasional financial struggles.

New charities and existing ones have stepped up to offer money and other resources, especially food. There has also been a stunning increase in small and moderate donations to the charities, as well as many more hours devoted to volunteer work.

I believe that East End residents of all wealth, including our second-home owners, have become vitally aware of the challenging economic situation for many of our working families. We are coming together as community to help every single person who needs help.

As the coronavirus declines, individuals, communities and charities can continue to work together on the major needed improvements, such as public health, education and housing.

It may be too soon to smile, but as we continue a new level of cooperative work, East Hampton and Southampton will emerge as stronger communities than ever.

Zachary Cohen

Chair

East End for Opportunity