Dear Editor:

Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. This day kicks off the charitable season and encourages people to focus on holiday and end-of-year giving by supporting causes they believe in. Next Tuesday, Dec. 3, the local non-profit organization Keepers of Burnt Island Lighthouse hopes you will see this as the perfect time to give back to a special lighthouse that has served our community for nearly 200 years.

For the past two years, the Keeper’s group has been fundraising to restore the historic buildings in time for its bicentennial in 2021. They are happy to report that the restoration of the dwelling and work-shed will take place next spring, thanks to the tremendous generosity of individuals, local businesses, Marvin Windows, and Hammond Lumber.

However, funding to complete the lighthouse portion remains just $22,500 shy of goal. The tower requires extensive repairs. The cast-iron lantern-room is rusted from roof to astragals. Cracked red glass and crazed plexiglass windows need replacement, and major repairs to the exterior rubblestone and interior brick liner are required.

The Burnt Island Light not only welcomes mariners into Boothbay Harbor, but it welcomes people ashore. Each year, thousands of people appreciate the opportunity to access and enjoy the island’s natural history, tour the historic buildings, climb the spiral stairs into the lantern-room, and participate in educational programs.

On Giving Tuesday, and throughout the month of December, the Keepers of Burnt Island Light welcome your help, whether large or small, to ensure that this beacon of hope will shine for another 200 years. Donate online at http://www.keepersofburntislandlight.com/make-a-donation.html or by mail: PO Box 738, Boothbay Harbor, ME 04575.

Jean McKay

Keepers of Burnt Island Light