The Shelter Island Action Alliance is embarking on a new initiative, “Light the way for the Holidays!” with a Holiday Home Decorating Contest and Shelter Island Gift Drive.
The organization — launched by Brett Surerus and Alex Graham during the early dark days of the pandemic here in New York — endeavors to support the local business community and individuals in need of assistance.
“After a year of unprecedented change and growth, the Shelter Island Action Alliance is looking forward to a holiday season filled with spirit, unity, and community,” the nonprofit says in a notice. “We hope that you will join us in bringing the holiday spirit to Shelter Island.”
Holiday Home Decorating Contest
The Holiday Home Decorating Contest will run from December 1 to 21 on Shelter Island. Here are the basics:
- A $25 Entry Fee will go directly to the Shelter Island Action Alliance gift drive and support local families in need
- To enter, venmo @ShelterIsland-ActionAlliance with your address or send an email to shelter.island.action.alliance@gmail.com
- All applicants will be entered to win a grand prize; the winner will be announced on December 23 on Instagram @supportshelterisland
Once you’ve signed up, get out there and start decorating. If you need supplies, shop locally to further support Island businesses.
Shelter Island Gift Drive Program
“The season of giving does not always mean the same for all,” SIAA says. “Join us in making this holiday season special for all families by participating in the Shelter Island Action Alliance gift drive.”
It takes place from November 15 to December 15. Join by making a donation to the SIAA. The organization will purchase essential gifts for families in need of support, and will do so by shopping locally from Island owned-and-operated businesses.
Examples of gifts the Alliance will purchase include Shelter Island ferry ticket books, gas station, and supermarket gift cards, restaurant gift certificates, and more.
“The Shelter Island Action Alliance relies on the incredible financial support from our community to run these programs,” organizers say. “With your generosity, we can continue to help those in need.”
To learn more about the Shelter Island Action Alliance, visit the organization’s Facebook page, or follow supportshelterisland on Instagram.
Note: We updated the post to clarify the Action Alliance is not (yet) a nonprofit. It is seeking nonprofit status, but the process (like so many others) has been slowed by COVID-19. If you want to make a deductible donation, you can give through the Shelter Island Lions Foundation using the club’s online portal, or by including Shelter Island Action Alliance in the memo line on a check to Shelter Island Lions Foundation, PO Box 760, Shelter Island, NY 11964.
