Thank you, Mayor Jesse Warren, and the Southampton Village Board, for providing a new headquarters for Heart of the Hamptons. You join an incredible list of individuals, businesses and organizations that are generously providing for our most vulnerable neighbors. HOH can only do what we do when we all come together.
I am honored to serve on the board of directors, as the organization’s treasurer, ensuring that HOH has the resources it needs to be a lifeline for local families, seniors and individuals. Thank you to all of our supporters.
In 2020, we distributed 194,000 meals, and so far this year are on track to serve even more. Our community is struggling desperately to get back on its feet. We also are investing heavily to meet emergency needs for housing, heat, clothing, safe living environments, rides to medical appointments and other essentials.
Generous grants from the Southampton Bath and Tennis Club, the Meadow Club, Atlantic Golf Club and Southampton Town go to providing food and assistance to those in need. Our pantry is also supported by a number of generous donations from local businesses and community food drives. Local businesses including HAPCO Farms, Tate’s Bake Shop, Goldberg’s Bagels, Peconic Prime Meats, Amber Waves, Share the Harvest and North Sea Farms donate fruits, vegetables, bread, bagels, eggs, pies and cookies that are distributed each week.
Local organizations, including Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, the Southampton Village PBA, The Children’s School, Our Lady of the Hamptons, the Southampton Rotary Club, Haddasah Women’s Group and the Ethan Allen store in Water Mill conduct annual food drives that bring us hundreds of pounds of nonperishable food. St. John’s Episcopal Church, Southampton Lions Club, the First Presbyterian Church and many more businesses and organizations help us to provide back-to-school supplies and holiday gifts.
And even though we have a remarkable impact, at the same time we have a very low imprint on the neighborhood. We have been operating on Hill Street in the space that the Basilica Parish of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary generously provided to us for 41 years with much support from our neighbors, many of whom contribute financially or volunteer their time to help us care for our community.
Having worked in the village for the last 20 years, I have witnessed what HOH has done for those who might have nowhere else to turn. Our ongoing mission is to continue to serve as we have in the past, without discrimination, in a discreet and dignified manner. Our work is only possible because of our incredibly giving community.
Thank you to all our donors, partners and Southampton Village for making life a little easier for those who need us.
Robert Griffing
Treasurer
Heart of the Hamptons
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