New York –U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) announced her New York State based staff across the state will be participating in day of service activities today to help New Yorkers in need during this holiday season. Dozens of Gillibrand staffers will be volunteering today with local non-profits, food banks, and soup kitchens, giving back to communities throughout the state.
Senator Gillibrand said, “As New Yorkers celebrate the holidays, we must remember those who have been hit hardest by this economy. In the spirit of the holiday season, I hope everyone who is able will make time for a couple of hours to serve their neighbors in need.”
Last month, Senator Gillibrand kicked off the holiday season by making stops in Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo to participate in events that gave back to the local communities. In Syracuse, the Senator joined the Southwest Community Center to help organize their annual winter clothing drive and pass out Thanksgiving turkeys to hundreds in the community. In Rochester, Senator Gillibrand read books to children and helped to sort food, clothes and other donations for Thanksgiving baskets at the Wilson Commencement Park. In Buffalo, she joined WNY Heroes Co-Founder, Chris Kreiger, representatives from the VA Hospice Center, and local youth to make holiday cards for soldiers and VA patients at the Boys & Girls Club of Buffalo.
Below is a list of volunteer activities on December 14th for Gillibrand’s staff by region:
New York City
As part of City Harvest’s new mobile market launch in Washington Heights, Gillibrand staffers are distributing fresh food to local residents. City Harvest’s mobile markets distribute fresh fruits and vegetables at New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) sites to residents who qualify and live in the area.
Long Island
Gillibrand staffers are volunteering at the 1 in 9 LI Breast Cancer Coalition in Hewlett, a non-profit organization which promotes action toward finding causes & cures for the eradication of breast cancer. Staff is also attending Interfaith Nutrition Network, a social service agency in Hempstead which addresses the challenge of hunger and homelessness on Long Island.
Albany
Gillibrand staffers are helping the Equinox Community Service Agency’s food drive. This non-profit provides residential programs for homeless youth and victims of domestic violence, as well as counseling, advocacy, outreach, and prevention services.
Syracuse
Gillibrand staffers are helping to package food at the Food Bank of Central New York, a not-for-profit organization working to eliminate hunger through nutritious food distribution, education and advocacy.
Rochester
Gillibrand staffers are helping to prepare and serve lunch for more than 100 residents at St. Peter’s Soup Kitchen, which has served Rochester’s West Side Community for over 29 years.
Buffalo
Gillibrand staffers are helping to distribute holiday toys to families at the Response to Love Center in Buffalo. This community outreach center runs several programs including a food pantry, infant formula program, thrift shop personal care program, and bi-yearly school supply distributions.
North County
Gillibrand staffers are volunteering at the Lowville Food Pantry, which helps meet the emergency food needs of individuals and families having food hardship. This organization also provides aide during natural and man-made emergencies.
Westchester
Gillibrand staffers are volunteering at United Way’s Hudson Valley 211 in White Plains, providing callers with information and resources. The call center, which launched in 2005, is a free, multilingual information and referral (I&R) telephone service which puts Hudson Valley residents in touch with the region’s various health and human services.