As we try to engage ourselves in the rituals of a holiday season that seems to have arrived from nowhere, so many of us still reel from the September 11th attack on our country and its tragic effects on so many of our friends and neighbors. Our desire to reach out to those who have suffered unimaginably horrible losses heightens as we prepare for the holidays that this year seem so very different. The Manhasset Friends and Neighbors Trust has been established to benefit families of people who were killed in the attack and lived in Manhasset or the Manhasset School District on September 11th. It is a way for us to make a monetary gift to our friends and neighbors who have borne the brunt of the brutal crimes of September 11th.

We formed the trust after careful consideration of the options available. It seemed inappropriate to host a fund raising dinner in this situation. Also, the Trust has no overhead. Rather than a $250 dollar dinner where at least half of the money goes to food and entertainment, all of the contributions will go to the families. We did not form a charitable organization because we don't want to burden the families with forms and paper work or the possibility of financial need assessment. Participation in the Trust is not based on need but rather an eligible family need only notify the Trust of its desire to participate.

The privacy of the families was a driving force in our decision to use the Trust as the fund raising vehicle. There will be absolute confidentiality regarding both contributors and recipients. Lastly, we want to act immediately. The fund raising campaign will be quick and quiet. Letters will be mailed to all Manhasset residents and we will run a two-week advertisement in the Manhasset Press. Contributions will be sent directly to the bank. Distributions to the families will be made by the end of December.

Please contact Amy Barrett (869-1860) Louise Molloy (627-5411) or Mary Fran Jeffreys (365-0347) with any questions.