Here are just a few opportunities on the East End to give back this holiday season.
The Retreat’s Adopt-a-Family Program
The Retreat’s Adopt-a-Family program is open and ready for donations for the 2022 holiday season. This community program collects holiday gifts and gift cards for families in need. This year, it will run through December 12.
The Retreat established Adopt-a-Family nearly 20 years ago. Now, this holiday giving program provides for 200 families, more than 450 individuals, all of whom are current Retreat clients.
The Retreat is a community-based, not-for-profit agency that provides domestic violence services. Visit allagainstabuse.org/events.
SOFO Holiday Toy Drive
The South Fork Natural History Museum is holding a holiday toy drive and is asking for new, unwrapped toys, games, and gift cards as well as giftwrap paper and ribbon. Donations are being accepted at SOFO in Bridgehampton through November 30.
The recipient of the holiday drive is The Retreat, through the foundation’s Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program.
Saunders Thanksgiving Donation Drive
Saunders & Associates is hosting its 9th annual Thanksgiving Donation Drive on GoFundMe to benefit local food pantries. The company matches every dollar raised. In 2020 and 2021, donations totaled over $140,000 after being matched by the company. Visit GoFundMe.com/HamptonsDonationDrive2022.
Heart of the Hamptons Holiday Star Program
Heart of the Hamptons 30th annual Holiday Star Program offers the opportunity to buy a requested holiday gift for a child in the community. Stars are displayed at local churches and businesses with requested items. At First Presbyterian Church in Southampton, parents can pick items for their children. Each year, Heart of the Hamptons provides over 1000 toys. Visit heartofthehamptons.org for a list of locations to find stars.
CMEE Holiday Drive
The Children’s Museum of the East End’s annual Holiday Drive provides toys and winter clothing for over 50 children in the community. You can adopt a family for the holiday season and purchase a present for each child in the family. Visit cmee.org for more info.
Maureen’s Haven
Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach is looking for donations of lightly used or new clothing, personal hygiene items, and food. Items can include new socks and underwear and easy-to-open soups. Donations are accepted at the Day Center in Riverhead.