Gingerbread House Competition, Letters To Santa, All For Good Causes

GREENPORT, NY —Two upcoming events on the North Fork capture the essence of holiday magic while also giving back to the community.

According to Sharon Sailor, owner of Front Street Station, the new "Letters to Santa" event, hosted by the Paul Drum Life Experience Project, helps kids write missives to St. Nick and help shelter pets, at the same time.

"Help Santa and Rudolph give the homeless critters a Merry Christmas," the event page said. For each letter, individuals will donate $1 to shelter pets. Santa will respond to every letter and send the donations to the North Fork Animal Welfare League.

"We wanted to remember pets and their pet owners that might be lacking this Christmas season," Sailor said. "For many, that pet is their child. Wouldn't it be nice for them to be able to give them a new bed, the food they can't afford, or a new toy?"

Also, back this year after the pandemic is the Paul Drum Life Experience's Gingerbread House competition, which is beloved to many.

"It has been a long, difficult time with shut-downs, illness and uncertainty," Sailor said.

The viewing and auction is slated to be held at Peconic Bay Vineyards, located at 31320 Main Road in Cutchogue, on Saturday, December 10 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"It's about fun, fundraising, creativity, community — and coming together to celebrate the season and have a little fun," Sailor said.

The Paul Drum Life Experience Project, according to the organization's website, "affords children the opportunity to participate in a vast and diverse array of activities and workshops designed to open their worlds and expand their horizons," with an eye toward broadening fields of interest, piquing curiosity, and sparking an enthusiasm for learning.

"It all started with a young man’s enthusiasm. Paul Drum was seeking a way to give back to the generous community who unconditionally accepted and supported him," the site explained.

Today, the free program is designed for children 7 to 12 years old who meeting once a week for 8 weeks during July and August. At each weekly session, a new theme of interest is presented and led by an expert in that particular field. Varied topics may include signing for hearing children, robotics, touring an electric power plant, shark study, and so more.

This program grows with money provided by donations from the global community, generous sponsors, and “fun-raisers” including the "Pirates and Mermaids" breakfast held at Front Street Station every year.

Sailor, who shares a deep bond of love with her son, reflects on her pride in her son's accomplishments: "Paul has given more back to the community than many with no 'handicaps' at all. He is passionate about being able to develop something that will leave a legacy, while at the same time, bettering where he lives."