5 Nonprofits Near Southampton To Support This Season

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — If you’re like many of your neighbors in Southampton, you may spend a good part of the holiday season with your credit card in hand buying gifts for family and friends. Coming up soon is a chance to give back to the local community.

Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups. Since 2012, nonprofits worldwide have used the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to galvanize fundraising, rally volunteers and add momentum to their causes.

Maintaining funding is a constant challenge for many nonprofits that fill gaps and meet other needs in the Southampton area.

Here are five local nonprofits to consider getting behind on Giving Tuesday:

1. Heart of the Hamptons: More than 42 years ago, members of the Southampton community came together and founded an organization to help those in need. A small food pantry and an emergency assistance outreach were launched. The organization continued to grow, and in 2003, Heart of the Hamptons officially became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Over the years, HOH has developed a network of programs and established community partnerships to strengthen outreach and effectiveness. The headquarters at 168 Hill Street in Southampton Village is provided by the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.

Today, Heart of the Hamptons offers a food pantry and assistance program to more than 2,100 households each year with the help of more than 200 volunteers, and an active board of directors. The assistance program services include a multi-faceted approach to crisis intervention, medical assistance funding, aid for seniors, school supplies, and summer lunches for school children. Heart of the Hamptons also connects people in need with other resources available in our local community.

The group's main annual fundraiser, the Polar Bear Plunge, held every second Saturday in December at Cooper’s Beach in Southampton Village, is a much-anticipated event that attracts hundreds of people who raise funds to support their community

2. Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation: The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit, open-admission, no-kill- shelter that relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to care for the homeless animals in the community and place them in loving forever homes. The shelter provides a stepping stone for these animals — offering them housing, food, medical treatment, training, and rehabilitation while they’re SASF's care. For 14 years since the town eliminated the shelter and SASF was formed, "we have been dedicated to caring for homeless animals in our community of 25 hamlets and villages but, we don’t stop there. We rescue dogs from 'kill shelters' and dire situations across the country from New York City to Georgia, and even all over the Caribbean," the group said.

3. Lucia's Angels: Lucia's Angels is a foundation committed to helping women and families on Eastern Long Island with late-stage women’s cancers including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and uterine cancer.

The foundation was created in loving memory of Lucia Terzi Bagan. Lucia’s Angels has provided help and funding for: gasoline gift cards, grocery gift cards, heating bills, dental work, housecleaning, rent, eyeglasses, food trains, babysitting, heating bills, health insurance premiums, automobile repair, ambulatory trips, therapeutic massage, transportation, salon services and wigs. From special wishes like one more trip to the beach, to providing extra child-care, to the holding of a hand, Lucia's spirit and Angels will be there.

4.Bridgehampton Childcare & Recreation Center: The Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center (“The Center”) is a not-for-profit organization serving, for the most part, but not limited to, the lower income African-American and growing immigrant populations in Bridgehampton and surrounding communities. It is the purpose of The Center to deliver the highest quality educational and recreational programs to local children, youth and their families. The Center is committed to motivating the children and participating adults to achieve their maximum potential.

5. Maureen's Haven: Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach is dedicated to supporting the homeless on the East End of Long Island. "We offer supportive services, programs, and access to case management, and our guests can enjoy a meal, get clothes, and have access to basic needs at our day center year-round. We also provide a safe, warm temporary shelter to homeless individuals, from November through April, utilizing volunteer houses of worship and congregation volunteers. The host facilities and supporting organizations provide much more than a place to sleep and a nutritious meal. They provide support through embracing the values of human dignity, respect, service, compassion, teamwork, diversity, and love," the group says.