Heart of the Hamptons: Making a Difference on the East End

Heart of the Hamptons is an East End organization helping those in need. Started 42 years ago by members of the Southampton community, it has been growing with community support ever since. The nonprofit organization says simply, “The mission of Heart of the Hamptons is to help people in our local community who are in need, without discrimination, in a dignified manner.”

Since its inception, Heart of the Hamptons has developed programs, created community partnerships, and strengthened their outreach to optimize effectiveness and spread as much assistance as possible for those who need it.

They are located at 168 Hill Street in Southampton, provided by the Basilica Parish of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. The food pantry at HoH is open to the public on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and by appointment. The pantry is supported by donations from several local businesses, along with community donations and food drives, and currently serves more than 2,100 households.

Along with their food pantry mission, Heart of the Hamptons runs an assistance program, which provides various services for seniors, veterans, and others who are in need. HoH says, “Once a client has met with the director and the need is verified, financial assistance can often be offered immediately. The Assistance Program can be a crucial safety net for families facing unexpected crisis and a lifeline for those with nowhere else to turn.”

Heart of the Hamptons also provides referrals and counseling to see how they can best assist individuals and families. Some of their children’s assistance programs include Backpack Kids, Lunchbox Kids, and Special Needs. They also have several unique programs to help with as many specific needs as possible for adults, seniors, and veterans.

Along with these programs, HoH holds several fundraising events throughout the year. Some of their efforts include Run Against Hunger, which is the Southampton Intermediate School’s annual event, and their Moonlit Plunge at Coopers Beach during the summer. They have their Year End Giving fundraiser happening now, along with their Holiday Star program, which has been happening annually for more than 30 years. Locals are invited to pick up a holiday star from participating businesses, which can be found on their website, and donate a requested gift to a local child. Stars can also be requested virtually, and donations can be submitted to support a family this holiday season.

Heart of the Hamptons’ biggest fundraising event of the year is the Polar Bear Plunge, which will take place on Saturday, December 9^th at Coopers Beach for their 20^th annual plunge. Registration is open and teams are available for sponsorship. All proceeds from the fundraiser go toward the food pantry and assistance programs so that they can operate and bring relief year-round to those who need it most in our community.

The holiday season makes for the perfect time to give back to the community and think about those who are in need. Heart of the Hamptons would not be possible without the support of the East End community, so consider supporting this thoughtful organization as the holidays approach and the year comes to an end!

For more information about Heart of the Hamptons, how to get involved, or to register for the Polar Bear Plunge or sponsor a team, visit https://heartofthehamptons.org.