Community Corner
Charity Group's Holiday Drive is Underway
Community Action Southold Town is busy collecting toys, gift certificates, hats, and gloves for locals in need.
Just before Thanksgiving, Director Linda Ortiz was wrapping up a successful Thanksgiving food drive and was already busy with the group’s Christmas distribution.
Despite the poor economy, Ortiz was optimistic this year’s holiday drive would be a success. Ortiz said the annual PJ Party was a success and she wanted to thank the community for helping to collect pajamas for the organization’s annual party.
“We’re doing okay,” she said.
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She has already received her order from Toys for Tots and had 500 Hess trucks to hand out. In addition, banks throughout Southold Town have drop off boxes for unwrapped toys.
All contributions come from the community and Ortiz said she is thankful for the generosity of the local residents. One concern she has for the upcoming winter is helping to meet the fuel needs for seniors and others who are in need. The organization does not provide financial assistance on an ongoing basis for fuel bills, but when other sources dry up, people come to her for help.
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“It’s really just for emergencies,” Ortiz said.
She said she is hoping to get donations or gift certificates from local fuel oil companies to help out her clients who are in crisis.
The annual drive for the Christmas distribution is under way and the group is actively soliciting donations. Ortiz said there are a number of items they will need in the next couple of weeks. The items include new, unwrapped toys for kids under the age of 12. Ortiz said they will also be collecting children's coats.
Ortiz said the are also collecting donations for senior citizens. Ideas for gifts for seniors include gift certificates to various merchants, gloves, scarves and pajamas.
Christmas distribution will take place starting on Monday, Dec. 19 and end on Wednesday, Dec. 21 at a new distribution center at Trader Bill's in Greenport.
CAST’s Holiday Happening will take place on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Southold Town Recreation Center in Peconic. Crafts from local vendors will be on display and children will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with Santa Claus. Proceeds go to help fund the organization’s programs.
Donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1p.m.to 5 p.m.at the Greenport office. For additional information, call 477-1717.
