The Hamptons United Methodist Church is donating $25,000 to the Bridgehampton Child Care & Recreational Center to support its outreach — especially with the afterschool program.
The donation was presented during a March 11 tour of The Center’s new multi-purpose facility. Executive Director Bonnie Michelle Cannon received the check from Rev. Joanne S. Utley, and church members Jerlean Hopson and Arlean Van Slyke, who also serve on The Center’s Board of Directors.
The church’s gift was prompted by a presentation that Cannon made at a recent HUMC worship service. The congregation was inspired that The Center was able to continue their afterschool program during Covid. A similar program at the church that served 25 Southampton students has been on hiatus since the pandemic began.
With that in mind, the church voted to offer its afterschool “savings” to help The Center continue — and maybe even expand — its programming.
“We feel blessed to be able to collaborate with The Center in their outreach to the Bridgehampton community,” Rev. Utley said. “They have been steadfast in continuing to serve the community despite the great challenges presented by the pandemic.
“I was so surprised and overwhelmed by your gift for The Center’s children. We are living in gratitude for community friends like you. God bless you and your congregation for caring and sharing,” said Cannon.
“Our church is the result of a merger between Bridgehampton and Southampton United Methodist churches, and both communities are still very much a part of our mission field,” said Rev. Utley.