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Community Corner

Ways You Can Help in This Season of Giving

Human Resources of the Hamptons offers many ways to give this holiday season, and year round.

During this time of year when many find their free time is chiseled away by shopping, holiday get-togethers, lighting the house and trimming the tree, makes it easy to set aside a few minutes or few hours to give back.

Hundreds of people will jump into the freezing cold ocean on Saturday to support those in need for the . Participants have been asking local residents and businesses to sponsor them and will arrive at 9:30 a.m. at in Southampton Village to register for the plunge and turn in the donations they collected.

"Even though the Plunge is really cold it will warm your heart," said Human Resources of the Hamptons Executive Director Mary Ann Tupper.

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The proceeds from the Plunge fund a variety of programs supported by Human Resources, including the , and . Tupper said Human Resources' main concern in the winter months is "making sure people have a warm place to live."

Human Resources also set up the Tree of Hope program. Anyone can make a child happy this holiday season by visiting a Christmas tree, or "Tree of Hope," in Southampton Village at on Windmill Lane, on Hill Street,  on Hill Street or on Maple Street. Each Tree of Hope has hanging stars with desired gifts from a child in a needy family written on each one. Those looking to donate can take a star and return later to the same tree with the gifts. The program lasts until Dec. 17, when Human Resources will will take the donated gifts and disperse them during their . They will be distributing food baskets and 3,000 toys to local underprivileged children, Tupper said.

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Anyone who would like to volunteer, by pushing carts and dispersing gifts,  can arrive at Human Resources, located on the Sacred Hearts grounds at 168 Hill St, at noon on Dec. 17.

At the same location, Monday through Friday afternoons year round, or food can be dropped off in the Human Resources food bins at , the , , Suffolk County National Bank on North Sea Road, HSBC on Nugent Street and Southrifty Drug on Jagger Lane.

Food past its expiration date will be thrown away. The most appreciated items are peanut butter, baby food, cooking oil, tuna, canned chicken or meat, and tomato sauce.

Tupper says it's easy to help out. "To contrubite you just need to show up, donate your time, food, clothes or anything," she said. "In the holiday season it's all about giving."

For more information visit hrhamptons.org or call 631-283-6415.

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