Southampton Small Businesses Raise $10K To Help Needy In Pandemic

SOUTHAMPTON, NY —Small businesses in the heart of Southampton Village gave back in a big way recently to help residents struggling during the pandemic.

The Business Revitalization Committee was created by former Southampton Village Trustee Kimberly Allan in 2019 to promote year-round tourism and activities for visitors during the fall and spring shoulder seasons.

When the pandemic hit, the Hamptons saw a surge in year-round residents as second homeowners moved east, and stayed — at the same time as food insecurity and other needs increased among the needy on the East End.

With more than 80 families in need of food, shelter, and clothing due to the pandemic, Roseanne Gentile from Southampton Elementary School spoke with representatives of the BRC to determine how and whether the local business organization could assist, a release said.

The BRC created a program during which those participating local businesses displayed holiday boxes that were used to collect donations from customers. By Dec. 2o, more than $10,000 was raised by more than 50 small Southampton Village businesses.

In addition, some shop owners offered the families gift certificates for clothing and other restaurants offered turkeys and Christmas cookies.

While the holidays were the impetus for the targeted program, many local businesses are continuing to provide food and clothing and funds throughout the winter, the BRC said.

“Nobody within our very special village should be hungry,” said Shannon Willey, chair of the BRC.

“We offered take-out picnics all summer to village visitors. Now we are packaging picnics for our neighbors in need,” said Dede Moan from Southampton Inn.

For information, call Southampton Village Hall at 631-283-0247 or click here.