Letters

The last year has been emotionally, mentally and physically draining on everyone. People struggled to keep jobs, they have lost loved ones, and the uphill battle in a pandemic world continues.

However, in all the turmoil, heartbreak and anxiety-filled days, there was an overwhelming outpouring of love and support from our amazing community. This year, community members and charitable organizations helped us bring joy and comfort to many families.

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, the Community Outreach Program and Adopt-a-Family were able to deliver over 80 Thanksgiving baskets throughout the greater Westhampton area to families and individuals who needed the help. In December, we were able to deliver 90 Christmas baskets with gifts to families, shut-ins, individuals down on their luck, and single parents with children barely making ends meet.

First and foremost, we would like to thank the individuals who contributed or adopted families this year. We are truly blessed by your help and generosity, without which none of this would be possible. You have made a difference in the lives of others, and we are appreciative of all your time and effort. The warmth and compassion of the members of this community are truly astounding, inspiring and heart-warming.

We would also like to thank the following churches, organizations and people for their support, generosity and participation: The Church of the Immaculate Conception, especially Carol, Marie, Anne, MaryAnn, Chris, Suzie, Charlie, Donna, Kim, and Father Mike; Westhampton Presbyterian Church, especially Deborah Busking; SOA of Southampton Town; the Westhampton Beach Ladies Auxiliary; Southampton Town PBA; Quogue Village PBA; Westhampton Kiwanis; Live Your Cor Foundation; Westhampton Women’s Club; Hospice; Westhampton Beach Rotary Interact Club; Westhampton Beach High School Student Government and Key Club; Westhampton Beach Elementary School Student Council; WHBTA; Quogue Elementary School; Dan Gale Real Estate; Father Joseph Slomski Knights of Columbus Council 7423; Bridgehampton National Bank; IC Bible Study; Pepperidge Farm; Hank Hulse Farms; Stop & Shop; Rico’s; and Justin’s Chop Shop for the delicious turkeys and hams.

With special thanks to all the amazing elves that helped put the food baskets together, organized gifts and loaded Santa’s sleigh.

In loving memory of Gordon Werner — you are forever in our hearts. We love you and know you are here with us in spirit.

Kristin Kalisak

Adopt-A-Family

Westhampton Beach