Patch Picks: Volunteer Organizations Making a Difference

Feb. 17 is "Give 5" day at Patch.com and in honor of this special day, East Hampton Patch would like to take the time to recognize the efforts of volunteer groups by shouting out the names of five of the many that make a big difference in the community.

LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS AND AMBULANCE CORPS

Volunteering as a firefighter and emergency medical technician or a helper with the ambulance corps on the South Fork is truley an act of community service. They are our first line of defense when there's a medical emergency, fire, and even a car accident. East of Southampton Village, there are no paid positions, so the volunteers are all we've got.

Depending on where you live and work, you could join the , , , or Fire Departments, which have ambulance companies, as well. The is separate from the , the busiest EMS crew in town, as is the and the .

A non-profit licensed domestic violence agency that provides a number of services to help protect victims through prevention and outreach services. They run a shelter for battered women and their children, a 24-hour  hot-line staffed by volunteers, legal advocacy, and counseling.

FOOD PANTRIES

All the local food pantries are amazing places to give back. provides over 400 families in East Hampton with food each week. Volunteers are always needed at the food pantry to pack bags, hand out food, and help with registration. Volunteers are also needed at the Amagansett satellite location at . The Springs Food Bank at the  provides families in that hamlet with three balanced meals to take home. There's also the Montauk Food Pantry at and the Sag Harbor Food Pantry at the .

ARF always needs volunteers to help out with all the animals. Whether it's walking the dogs, grooming or bathing, bottle-feeding kittens, or just sitting in the cat room, your assistance is appreciated.

MAUREEN'S HAVEN

Providing winter shelter through local churches to the
homeless on the East End. Last year alone, it provided warm beds to
242 individuals on 152 nights. The organization is always looking for
donations of clothing and coats to basic items, such as soaps,
toothbrushes and toothpaste, the organization needs it.  To donate,
call (631) 727-6831.

*As a note, Patch.com editors from the East End will all be donating
time to this organization as part of Patch's "Give 5 program."