This past Monday evening, members of the community and the Johnny Mac Foundation gathered at the Bayport-Blue Point Public Library to celebrate the annual Mitten Tree Lighting. This longtime tradition begins after Thanksgiving and lasts through the middle of December.

At the library’s front entrance stands a Christmas tree, but instead of ornaments, the tree was decorated with hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves. The Johnny Mac Foundation members added even more until the tree was almost unrecognizable. Instead of a star, at the top of the tree was a hat.

However, these essential winter items are more than just decoration; after Dec. 16, all hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves will be donated to local churches, which will be given to those in need, ensuring no one is cold this winter.

“This is a way for us to give back to our community. The Johnny Mac Foundation is all about community and to be able to provide warmth to our neighbors who maybe can’t afford to buy hat and gloves for their kids is a special thing for us,” Jennifer McNamara, wife of the late John McNamara, said.

Everyone is invited to donate new cold-weather accessories, which will be accepted until Dec. 16.