Letters

I grew up in Southampton always aware of helping our neighbors in need. In January of this year, I joined the board of Heart of the Hamptons, because I know that our community members who live and work here have a need for what we offer.

Heart of the Hamptons is more than just a food pantry — it is an integral part of our community, providing food, clothing and support to those of all ages, including but not limited to providing fuel, paying electric bills, rental assistance, buying school supplies and infant necessities, making home repairs — the list could go on.

Maybe some don’t see the need, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. We are still serving more than two times the number of households we did in 2019.

The former ambulance barn would be a great location for us to continue Heart of the Hamptons’ operations into the future. The local residents pushing back on the change of tenants in a village property knew this village property existed when they bought or rented in this area.

Currently, COVID-19 testing is offered in the former ambulance barn six days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Heart of the Hamptons only offers food distributions two days a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) for two hours each day (10 a.m. to noon).

I, myself, volunteer during food distributions and think that it would be beneficial for our future neighbors at 44 Meeting House Lane to see firsthand how Heart of the Hamptons operates.

Gloria Dios

Board Member

Heart of the Hamptons