Everyone knows it’s better to give than receive, especially to the Red Cross Blood Bank! But with so many charities vying for your attention here in the Hamptons all summer long, and throughout the holidays – who do you support and why? Where can you make a difference?
Here are some of our favorite do-gooders in the Hamptons and around the world. Feel free to share the list and click on any one of the links to learn more. And, feel free to tell us who you love and why! Happy Holidays, share the joy, count your blessings and give what you can. We’ll see you in the New Year!
Lynn + Jill
1. Local Food Pantries & Island Harvest
The idea that people could go hungry in the Hamptons seems impossible – with all the left over lobster and steak we’ve seen at $400 plate galas. But it’s true. As oil prices and unemployment go up many local residents’ cupboards have gone bare. Buying a turkey for a family in need or sending a check to your local food pantry are easy ways to help.
2. Peconic Land Trust, Concerned Citizens of Montauk& Group for the East End
If you moved here for the same reasons we did and you’re simply in love with this part of the world, we encourage to you preserve and protect it.
3. Heifer
Five years ago Jill and her daughter Maggie spend a few days at a Heifer camp. They came back inspired and knowledgeable about how much Americans consumerversus other countries. Since then we’ve been supporting this super-cool organization that donates cows, chicks, pigs and bunnies to impoverished communities and teaches them how to support themselves.
4. VDAY!
Dedicated to ending Violence against Women and Girls.Eve Ensler is one of Lynn’s mentors and heroes and Lynn was on the founding committee of VDAY. Protecting women and girls around the world is near and dear to our hearts. VDAY has virtually no overhead 96% of every dollar goes straight to the cause.
5. Paddlers For Humanity.
Don’t float through life, Paddle and Make a Difference.We love this small local charity. The generosity of spirit and the athleticism and the sheer determination they bring to everything they do is awesome. And they raise money for local and global good works.
6. Doctors without Borders.
Whenever there’s a disaster, this group is there. Katrina, The Tsunami, Haiti – these doctors fly in and get the job done.
7. Fighting Chance. 
The C word. It’s pretty overwhelming. Fighting chance offers cancer counseling, patient navigation, resources and more free-of-charge to cancer patients and their families on the East End.
8. Wait wait there’s more! We also love and support:
Project Most, The Retreat, The Fresh Air Fund, CMEE, ARF, The Clamshell Foundation, Montauk Medical Center, Southampton Hospital and Swim Across America, Fiver, Acumen. Safewaternetwork, Karmakidsart, and of course, the Montauk Fire Department.