Inside Northport’s Holiday Cookie Swap Supporting World Central Kitchen

NORTHPORT, NY — A festive evening of cookies, community, and giving brought residents together in Northport on Dec. 8, as a locally hosted holiday event raised funds to support World Central Kitchen’s global humanitarian efforts.

The Great Holiday Cookie Swap & Shop at Nest on Main, blended holiday cheer with small-business support and philanthropy. The event was co-hosted by Nina Lombardo, founder and partner of Northport-based cookie company O’ts Cookies, alongside business partner Anna Kotler.
Community members were invited to bake and bring homemade cookies to swap with fellow attendees while shopping locally at Nest on Main, a popular Northport gift and home boutique.

The gathering raised $400 for World Central Kitchen, an international nonprofit that provides fresh meals to communities impacted by humanitarian, climate, and disaster-related crises.
Founded in 2010 by renowned chef and restaurateur José Andrés following the devastating earthquake in Haiti, World Central Kitchen is known for being among the first organizations to respond in times of crisis, serving meals to people in need across the globe.

“O’ts Cookies has always been rooted in the idea that great food brings people together,” Lombardo said. “Hosting a cookie swap to benefit World Central Kitchen felt like the most meaningful way to share that philosophy during the holidays.”

O’ts Cookies, founded by Lombardo and Kotler, has built a loyal following for its signature thin and crispy oatmeal cookies, inspired by the founders’ travels and globally influenced flavors. The brand is known for its bright, modern packaging and clean-ingredient recipes, including varieties such as Sweet & Salty with Sicilian Sea Salt and Churro Con Chocolate with Vietnamese Cinnamon.

Throughout the evening, guests exchanged homemade treats, shared recipes, and browsed curated holiday items throughout the shop. Organizers said they hope to continue hosting community-driven events that bring people together while supporting meaningful causes.

“What I loved most was watching neighbors meet neighbors,” Kotler said. “Everyone walked in with a plate of cookies, but they left with new connections — and that’s the real magic of Northport during the holidays.”