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Southampton Press / Community / Community Story / 2412582

Southampton Elks Hold Successful Food Drive

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Southampton Elks Lodge #1574 recently held a community food drive in support of Heart of The Hamptons. Volunteers included, from left, Diane Scanlon, Fred Kirst, Carol Kierych, Mary Hunt and Gene Scanlon. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON ELKS LODGE

Southampton Elks Lodge #1574 recently held a community food drive in support of Heart of The Hamptons. Volunteers included, from left, Diane Scanlon, Fred Kirst, Carol Kierych, Mary Hunt and Gene Scanlon. COURTESY SOUTHAMPTON ELKS LODGE

authorStaff Writer on Dec 15, 2025

The Southampton Elks Lodge 1574 held a community food drive to support Heart of the Hamptons, collecting a significant amount of nonperishable items for local families during the holiday season.

Heart of the Hamptons provides food pantry assistance to more than 3,200 households each year with the help of over 200 volunteers. Lodge organizers said the outpouring of support at the drive was overwhelming. Among the donors was fashion designer and QVC personality Dennis Basso, who filled his shopping cart with five bags of groceries for the pantry.

Elks members Gene and Diane Scanlon, Fred Kirst, Mary Hunt, Carol Kierych and Susie Armusewicz volunteered at the event. Gene Scanlon not only organized the drive but also helped secure a $3,000 grant for Heart of the Hamptons and an additional $3,000 grant for the food pantry at St. Rosalie’s Church.

Lodge members said the effort reflects the Elks’ commitment to service and community support, especially during a time of heightened need.

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