It’s quiet out there, at night on the Island this time of year. In town there are a few signs of life. But on the back streets, after the sun goes down and the winter chill takes over, mostly it’s just smoke from a woodstove or a startled rabbit or nothing at all. But looks can be deceiving.

Wearing their sashes proudly and standing with their wagons full of cookies, a group of Girl Scouts were waiting with anticipation last Saturday in Edgartown for a Santa sighting.

They watched as dogs in festive wear walked by in the annual Christmas in Edgartown parade, the Vineyard Assembly of God caroled through the streets in Dickensian costumes, and miniature ponies with sleigh bells trotted across town.

And then, he turned the corner.

Martha’s Vineyard may be 2,550 miles from Christ Roi, Haiti, yet the distance will be bridged with the Vineyard’s Haitian Celebration, a gala event that will raise funds to help get the Port-au-Prince neighborhood back on its feet after a series of devastating events. Throughout a ruinous earthquake, cyclone strikes and a cholera outbreak, the residents of Christ Roi have maintained a spirit of resilience and optimism.