There’s no shortage of incredible non-profit organizations to lend your support to on the East
End. Being an animal lover, two of my favorites are the Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF)
and the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC).
ARF | Located in East Hampton at 124 Daniels Hole Road, ARF was founded in 1974 and since
that time has rescued more than 29,000 cats and dogs and spayed/neutered over 28,000 cats.
A “no kill” adoption center, ARF cares for animals for as long as it takes to place them. Their vet
team makes sure that all animals up for adoption are microchipped, spayed/neutered, and
vaccinated. They’re currently in the process of constructing a new facility on their grounds to
better house the animals. Dubbed the “Forever Home,” this will help ARF substantially improve
their animal living and training spaces. They also have a great fostering program and are back to
offering in-person adoptions through their mobile adoption van, while the new facility is under
construction. Check out all the dogs and cats currently up for adoption, here and make a
donation, here. You can also donate by ordering items for their cats and dogs from their wish
lists on Amazon or Chewy.
WRC | The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center is dedicated to the rescue, medical rehab
, and release of native wild animals and is the only wildlife hospital on the East End. They opened
their doors in 2000 and receive thousands of calls each year for information and assistance
about injured wildlife. They also provide educational programs to area schools and internships
and programs for college students. A look at some of the kinds of animals they help really
shows the diversity of wildlife in our region. They focus on birds (waterfowl, songbirds, birds of
prey), mammals (squirrels, raccoons, rabbits, opossums, foxes, deer, bats), and reptiles (turtles
and snakes). You can help them out by becoming a member, volunteering, or donating. Learn
more, here. Or, just go right to their Amazon Wish List, purchase an item, and have it delivered
directly to their Center at 228 West Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays.
Animals—both pets and wildlife—enrich our lives. If you’re new to the East End or just looking
for a worthwhile local philanthropy to support financially or by volunteering, check out these
two organizations—the animals will thank you!
