10 Places To Give To This Holiday Season

Neighbors and friends are in need every day. The holiday season only makes the need greater, especially in these hard economic times. Please take a moment to look at this list and see how you can help a neighbor. Think about taking the time and money to donate to others.

1. East Hampton Food Pantry helps over 400 families in East Hampton, as well from their satellite in Amagansett. The food pantry also educates those in East Hampton Town about hunger. Monetary donations can be made on the website. Food can be donated to the East Hampton address on Mondays and Tuesdays during the day. Food is distributed from the East Hampton location on Tuesdays 2 to 6 p.m., and from from 4 to 6 p.m.

2. Springs Food Pantry at the provides Springs families in need with three balanced meals, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner to take home. Donated non-perishable foods can be donated every Wednesday and placed in the bin at the church. Perishable foods can be donated on Wednesdays after 1 p.m., to ensure someone is there to refrigerate the goods.

3. Sag Harbor Food Pantry at the  is looking for monetary donations, which can be made on their web site. Food and perishables can be dropped off at the church on Tuesdays from 9 a.m to 1:30 p.m.  Non-perishable food can be left in the blue bin on the side porch of the church. Dog food and cat food are also needed, as well as home goods, like toilet paper. Sag Harbor families in need can pick up food at the church on Tuesdays with proof of residence. 

4. , which works with Maureen's Haven, accepts donations of canned goods.  Donated cans can be put in the foyer.  The goods are then distributed to shelters and food pantries in need throughout our local community. Please visit the website or call for more information.

5. Love the ocean? Love to surf and fish, or know someone who does? The perfect holiday gift this year is a membership and donation all in one. Surfrider Long Island is a non-profit organization that brings awareness to the ocean and educates about the future of our oceans.  The Eastern Long Island chapter has regular beach clean-ups of our favorite beaches, as well as sponsoring the annual and fun Surf Movie Nights.   

6.  is a non-profit organization, which helps domestic abuse victims.  With a long list of funding cuts, The Retreat needs help now more than ever. The Retreat has a 24-hour hotline which provides shelter if needed to support domestic violence victims and provides counseling and family services.

7.  is an organic community farm that prides itself on an being an all-volunteer organization. You can become a member or donate on the Website.  Organic farming is the future, after all.  EECO farm has more that 100 plots where people practice organic farming, provides 40 acres for farmers to organically grow produce, gives workshops on organic farming, as well as participating in other community based activities.  Educating ourselves about organic foods is important to our futures.

8.  is a large organization that helps preserve and protect the land that we love.  The Center for Conservation is located in East Hampton, and it offers information about native plant gardens. The center also educates the public about over fertilization of gardens and the effects, as well as the importance of alternative fertilizers. 

9. Help keep art alive by supporting . LongHouse combines art, nature, and creativity to educate and inspire. Give your local landscaper or friend the gift of a donation. Garden tours are available spring through fall, LongHouse has a strong education base, and provides tours to schools that are intended to educate students about art and nature, and how they support each other. 

10. East Hampton is historically rich, and has an important heritage.  accepts donations. The historical society is working with sites like and Town House to ensure that East Hampton is recognized as a historical landmark.