Dear Friends,
With the holiday season upon us, we THANK YOU for your unwavering generosity this year and every year. Due to the high cost of living on the East End, our neighbors make impossible choices between putting food on the table and paying for rent, utilities, healthcare, and other basic needs. Thanks to your support, we have been doing our best to provide for all those who turn to us.
We hope to provide all the extra trimmings for festive family meals throughout the holiday season, including turkey, fish, fresh produce, and holiday sides. Every dollar donated will directly impact those in need and allow our families to enjoy holiday celebrations together.
The fall and winter months are the hardest. It can be very stressful as seasonal work slows down and utility bills spike. Demand for our services remains high, and we continue to add new families each month. To date, we have provided 268,946 meals compared to 168,878 at this time last year. So, we know our food pantry and assistance services are a vital lifeline for our community.
Across America, there has been a rise in food insecurity. In 2021, just over 10% of households were food insecure. In 2022, that number rose to nearly 13%, and we are sure 2023 will be even higher. Food insecurity means that not everyone in the household will have enough food to eat. Can you imagine being a child and worrying about going hungry at home? Or feeling guilty that you are eating but your mom cannot?
This year, our goal is to raise $100,000 to ensure every child, family, and senior has enough to eat and a safe place to live. In this season of giving, we invite you to join us in our mission of helping our neighbors. Our caring community remains the driving force behind Heart of the Hamptons, and we thank you for your continued support!
Wishing you and your loved ones health and happiness this coming holiday season.
With deepest gratitude,
Molly Bishop
Executive Director
P.S. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
Will you help us reach our goal of $100,000 this year?