As part of a yearlong initiative, the Westhampton Free Library honored Mary Beth Finegan, a resident of Westhampton Beach, as its seventh community hero. Mary Beth, who was selected for the honor by the Library’s technical services department, was recognized during a ceremony at the library’s regular board meeting on Aug. 15.
“Mary Beth is an outstanding example of what a community hero is,” said Library Director Danielle Waskiewicz. “We are thrilled to honor her.”
With a heart for serving others, Mary Beth has dedicated herself to helping the homeless. She took up the cause in the early 2000s by assisting to serve dinner to the homeless through the East End’s Maureen’s Haven homeless outreach program at participating houses of worship Westhampton Presbyterian Church and then the Grange Hall in Aquebogue.
Since then, she has become a coordinator for the program at the Immaculate Conception Church in Westhampton Beach. In her role, she ensures that during the months of November through March, the area homeless have a warm bed to sleep in and are provided with three solid meals. She also organizes the numerous donations that are provided to the church for the program.
“I’m kind of the funnel,” said Mary Beth, who is assisted by Erin Finley of Sydney’s Catering. “We have such a remarkable community that is always helping and donating.”
Mary Beth doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon. “I started helping because I saw there was a need and there was no place for these folks to go,” she explained. “Now that there is a place, I feel the need to maintain it.”
When not assisting the homeless, Mary Beth works for the Suffolk County Historical Society.
“Mary Beth is a tireless volunteer and an advocate for the needs of the homeless on Eastern Long Island,” said technical services librarian Susan Berdinka. “Her honor is well-deserved.”
The Library’s yearlong Community Hero recognition program pays tribute to community members who embody the spirit of giving. The honorees are celebrated at the library board’s monthly meetings.