Letters

On behalf of the Hamptons United Methodist Church, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous donors and dedicated volunteers who made this year’s free community Thanksgiving dinner a remarkable success. Because of your kindness, we were able to serve nearly 500 of our neighbors — families, seniors, workers and individuals from all walks of life — by providing a holiday meal for their table.

For the sixth year in a row, we are also deeply indebted to our fearless leader, Denise Smith-Meacham.

To our volunteers: You peeled and chopped and cooked, packaged and delivered meals, washed dishes, and stayed long after to clean up. Your hospitality created not only a meal but a sense of belonging and hope. Our volunteers are the best.

To our donors: Your financial gifts, food contributions and in-kind support made it possible to offer an abundant meal at no cost. Your willingness to invest in the well-being of our community embodies the very spirit of Thanksgiving.

The donors included Old Town Masonic Lodge 908, Carmello Scalamandre, Walter Deane, Chef Anna Lembo, Farm and Forage, Zach Erdem and 75 Main, Shippy’s, Red Horse Market, Stop & Shop, Briermere Farm, Green Thumb, the Dervins, O’Shea Marcincuk & Bruyn, Dorothy Wienecke, Lisa Daffy, Dwight Singleton, Joanne Utley, Lewis Meachem, Ken and Barbie Sforza, Odell and Lenore Ferebee, Dianne Marxe, Herbert Sequiera, and Molly Bishop and Heart of the Hamptons.

We were blessed to share any leftovers with Hamptons Community Outreach and the staff at the Hamptons Center for Nursing & Rehabilitation.

This meal was especially critical this year because of the skyrocketing cost of food, the withholding of SNAP benefits and the targeting of immigrants. This dinner is a reminder that when we come together across our communities, we can ensure that no one is left out, especially on a day meant for gratitude, connection and care.

Thank you for helping us embody love in action. We are blessed to serve alongside you.

Rev. Joanne S. Utley

Pastor

Hamptons United Methodist Church

Southampton