Southold Sunshine Society members deliver fruit, smiles
For close to 25 years, the Southold Sunshine Society has spread cheer by delivering complimentary fruit plates each November to senior citizens in Southold and Peconic hamlets.
On Tuesday, 11 volunteers continued that tradition, dropping off 98 plates of whole bananas, grapefruits, tangerines, grapes and sugar-free hard candies to residents 80 years and older.
“It’s sort of an unexpected treat for some people,” Southold Sunshine Society coordinator Peggy Murphy said. “The Southold IGA provides the fruit for a discounted price. And some people who have been on the list for years kind of look forward to it.”
Founded in 1923, the Southold Sunshine Society is entirely volunteer-driven and relies solely on donations, fundraisers and an annual luncheon, said Ms. Murphy, a retired Southold Elementary School teacher who has been the group’s coordinator since the mid-1990s.
The Southold Sunshine Society spreads goodwill to senior citizens 80 years and older and also loans medical equipment to all Southold Town residents regardless of age. In addition, the organization’s 21 volunteers deliver large boxes of tissues each week to Eastern Long Island Hospital in Greenport, send birthday and well wishes cards, deliver plants at Easter and present monthly bouquets to elderly locals, Ms. Murphy said.
“It’s a dedicated group and a huge pleasure to be associated with,” she said.
