Local Chef, Volunteers Help Struggling Single Moms At Holidays

EAST END, NY — Struggling single moms bear a heavy burden during the holiday season, wondering how they can stretch the budget for toys — not to mention delicious Christmas dinners, such an important part of childhood memories.

This year, a local organization dedicated to giving back, Citizens 4 Humanity of the East End, celebrated its seventh season of helping those who need a hand. Each year, the annual holiday mission is spearheaded by founder and Chef Marco Barrila of Insatiable Eats Catering in Southampton; his goal is to provide meals to struggling single mom families.

For Christmas this year, Citizens 4 Humanity added Town of Southampton seniors to the list and provided gourmet holidays meals to those grappling with health issues or who were without family during the holiday season.

After the holidays group thanked the volunteers who stepped up; meals were delivered from Westhampton to East Hampton and Sag Harbor, as well as the Flanders and Riverhead areas, a release said.

"Citizens 4 Humanity continues to strengthen its efforts through the ongoing support of community leaders, local businesses and individual volunteers," the release said.

C4H is a grassroots group with the mantra of “people helping people”. Efforts began in 2012 with Insatiable Eats Catering feeding displaced families through the Red Cross during Hurricane Sandy. "Since then, Citizens 4 Humanity has been building and developing new ways to support families in the East End Long Island community," a release said.

Every year, Cromer’s Country Market donates turkeys and meats for main dishes, Green Thumb Farm, Round Swamp Farm and Sagaponack Farm Distillery donates vegetables for side dishes, and Panera donates specialty breads and desserts. This year, Citizens for Humanity said, miscellaneous ingredients were also donated by Sergio’s Pizza of Riverhead; Bar Boy in Hampton Bays donates packaging supplies.

"The Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Church in Southampton has been extremely generous throughout the years, donating their professional kitchen at the Muses event venue for the charitable work to be accomplished," the release said.

Apart from the meals, in-kind donations of clothes and toys to children were provided by Shannon Flaherty-Zucchero of Flying Pointe Surf and Sunrise to Sunset Surf Shops.

"She is a generous benefactor who donates throughout the year, as well," the release said.

La Carezza in Southampton even gave one special single mom of six who is now raising grandchildren a complete makeover this year, including a cut, color and scalp massage, along with a manicure and pedicure.

The Citizens 4 Humanity community group has continued to evolve with a greater number of families reached. Volunteers pick up food from the farms to bring to the kitchen. Next, prep and cooking takes place; the food is then packaged and delivered directly to the homes of those in need.

Deputy volunteers include Christine Curiale, Shawn Steinmuller, Kathleen King, Terry Thompson, Pat Koenig Franzino and Melina Millio Hale. Notable donors throughout the years have included Megan of Gloria’s Jewel, the Lettieri family of Westhampton, Michael Haynia of Cedar Design and Adam Rosante/ Peoples Bootcamp.

In addition, annual fundraising dinners are the most critical part of the outreach campaign; donations and gifts received enable C4H to continue the outreach and ensure that the organization remains accessible.

"It is important to thank all those families on the East End who came to Citizens 4 Humanity seeking support. It fills our hearts to help serve your needs that are present in our community. As ongoing supporters, we believe the possibilities are endless. To help you ensures that we can forever build a better tomorrow through our efforts and programs," C4H said.

This year alone, the group was able to help 52 East End families for Thanksgiving and Christmas; the goal is to help even more in 2020.

For additional information or to join Citizens 4 Humanity, click here or email info@citizens4humanity.org.