Dear Editor:

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a very big thank you to all who participated in the 2014 Giving Tuesday initiative for the Boothbay peninsula.

Twenty-six local nonprofit organizations collaborated to create Boothbay Treasures, in order to promote the services available to our region and raise awareness of what nonprofits contribute to our area. We also felt it was very important to recognize the many volunteers and donors that give their time and money to local causes, along with the staff and board who work tirelessly to keep programs running and doors open at many of our favorite hangouts.

To everyone involved with this effort, thank you — and I look forward to working with you again next year!

We'd also like to thank the towns of Southport, Boothbay Harbor and Boothbay for recognizing Giving Tuesday. Finally, the Boothbay Treasures group would like to acknowledge School Superintendent Eileen King, cafeteria manager Darlene French, and all of the school staff members who helped to put on a free Community Supper on Dec. 2.

Thank you, too, to the community members who came out to dine with us and who contributed to a local cause on Giving Tuesday! This really is one of the most caring places to live.

Happy Holidays.

Valerie Young

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences