BY GABRIELLE C. SHERB
When beginning to write Impact Astoria in March 2015, I wanted to give back to the community that has been my home for close to a decade. Over these last several months I have gained so much more than anticipated.
Thank you to the Queens Library (Steinway Branch), Councilman Costa Constantinides, CIANA, Astoria Park Alliance, Central Astoria Local Development Corporation, Dapple Baby and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas for your time and for allowing me to share with BORO readers how they can make a difference from the shores of Astoria Park to the steps of the Capitol in Albany.
As we enter the holiday season, there is exponentially increased thought toward giving back and supporting those who need it most. But it can be more than a once-a-year impulse.
Giving back to the community and caring about your neighbors is something that we can do all year round—in small ways that give big meaning. If you’re looking to make this holiday season the beginning of your commitment to Impacting Astoria, here are a few ways you can do it:
Give the gift of literacy at P.S. 17Q on Dec. 9, 16 or 23
28-37 29th St., Astoria, NY 11102
718-278-1220
Help keep others warm with Housing Works, and sort through donated clothing that will go to the homeless on Dec. 9
48-49 35th St., Long Island City, NY 11101
718-786-6160
Pamper a senior citizen at the Sunnyside Community Services Beauty Spa on Dec. 11
43-31 39th St., Sunnyside, NY 11104
718-784-6173
Make gingerbread houses with the children of the Jacob Riis Settlement Houses on Dec. 19
10-25 41st Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101
718-784-7447
Western Queens is a place where all faiths, ethnicities and cultures can thrive. I hope you’ll take this time to decide how you’ll be Impacting Astoria in 2016.
Wishing you and your loved ones peace, happiness and health!
