There are so many people and organizations who gave of their time and hearts, and especially so many children who wanted to help their friends in need. The Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Tiger Scouts, Girl Scouts and Brownies all participated in food drives to stock our pantry shelves as did the Southampton Public Schools. Southampton Elementary School held its annual mitten tree to ensure that every child will be warm this winter. Southampton High School students in Mr. Brand's Government class provided the muscle needed to lift all the heavy boxes and deliver them to the cars for the families. The primary class of Dana Forman at Hampton Day School adopted some children and provided special gifts for them. Many of the schools made beautiful murals with holiday messages of warmth and cheer that decorated the auditorium. To all of these children I say thank you, with hearts like yours there is such a bright hope for the future.

To everyone who took a star from and returned a present to the giving trees that were set up at North Fork Bank, Hampton State Bank, St. John's Episcopal Church and at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. To all of the companies that held toy drives such as Alan Schneider Real Estate, thus ensuring toys for over 2,400 gifts to our children in need. To stores like Bikehampton, Rotations and Stevenson's for helping to provide some of these toys and special gifts. To the Jewish Center of the Hamptons which held a huge yard sale to raise funds to provide food for the less fortunate and to the Southampton Business Alliance for yet again reaching into this community with helping hands. To the Presbyterian Church, as well as the other local parishes for their generous gifts. And to so many more companies and organizations I am unable to name in this space - THANK YOU!

To all the individuals and corporations that sent in monetary donations this year and because of your generosity, Human Resources of the Hamptons can continue to help the less fortunate children in our community. To The Southampton Press and Suffolk Life who continue to let the community know what we are doing and how they can help.

And most importantly, to all the volunteers who gave endless hours of their time, stocking the pantry shelves, wrapping presents and making the beautiful food baskets for days and weeks on end. You all have the true spirit of the Holiday Season in your hearts.

Every day that I live in this community I am thankful for all of you. When I ask-you give and when I am in need you come to help. You give of yourself and what better gift can anyone give?

AND SO WITH A GRATEFUL HEART FOR ALL YOUR EFFORTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR AND ONCE AGAIN, THANK YOU.

Mary Ann Tupper

Director
Human Resources of the Hamptons.