Queens Ditrict Attorney, NY Jet Team Up For Surprise
Thirty Far Rockaway children who attend public schools that participate in Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown’s STAR Track (Straight Talk About Risks) anti-violence program recently received brand-new bicycles as a surprise gift.
The gifts were provided in partnership with the D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation, which was created by the New York Jets offensive tackle for whom it is named.
“The children-who were told they were putting together bicycles for someone else-were delighted when they learned that the shiny new bikes they each helped to build were instead a gift that they could take home,” Brown said. “I commend D’Brickashaw Ferguson and his foundation for their generosity and thoughtfulness during the holiday season.”
“A new bicycle is on almost every child’s wish list. Unfortunately, in these tough economic times every parent can’t afford to buy their child a new bike,” Ferguson added. “We are happy to be able to make a few wishes become reality.”
The children-who were selected by their school’s principal based on their community service-were invited to participate at the event which took place on Dec. 21 at P.S. 104 on Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway, and told that they were to help build a bicycle that would be given as a holiday gift to a child who was less fortunate than themselves.
Once the tasks had been completed-with the help of their parents and other volunteers-the children were told that, in fact, they had just built themselves a bicycle that they would be taking home with them. The children were also provided with helmets and bicycle safety tips.
Brown said that five children between the ages of nine and 12 were chosen from each of the following STAR Track schools in Far Rockaway: P.S. 104, P.S. 197, P.S./M.S. 43, P.S. 215, P.S. 106 and P.S./M.S. 333. Lunch for all of the children and volunteers was provided by White Castle.
The District Attorney’s STAR Track anti-violence program features assistant district attorneys and other members of the District Attorney’s Office, members of the New York City Corporation Counsel’s Office and members of the Queens Law Associates being assigned to classes at each of the 10 participating Far Rockaway schools-from elementary through high school- throughout the school year to talk about the risks of guns, drugs, gangs and how to make the right choices.
The program’s curriculum is designed to drive down the crime rate and build up self-esteem, confidence and the quality of life for the students.
The D’Brickashaw Ferguson Foundation was founded in October 2007 by the New York Jets offensive tackle to build stronger communities through various means including awarding scholarships and providing resources to schools, churches and food and clothing banks.
