Bayside, Douglaston, Little Neck, Flushing and Whitestone residents helped make some of the borough’s veterans and children in need smile this holiday season.
In an effort led by Assemblyman Edward Braunstein’s office, 20 schools and various civic and senior organizations from northeast Queens collected hundreds of supplies — including new clothing, candy, playing cards and puzzles — for veterans at the St. Albans VA Community Living Center and the New York State Veterans Home.
Thousands of toys were also collected for local kids in need from groups including the St. Mary’s Hospital for Children, Transition Domestic Violence Shelter, United States Army and Ronald McDonald House.
Donations were dropped off at the local offices of Community Board 11, Dr. William M. Duke and Assemblyman Braunstein and then distributed. On Dec. 21, all donations to veterans were hand delivered by Braunstein and students from Benjamin Cardozo High School.
The schools and groups that contributed to the drives included the Beech Hills Shareholders, Cardozo High School, Deepdale Cares, Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy of Douglaston, Friends of Fort Totten Parks, Girl Scout Brownie Troop #4720, Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association, Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Senior Center, Holy Cross High School, I.S. 25, Jefferson Democratic Club, M.S. 67 and 158, P.S. 31, 32, 98, 107, 159, 169, 184, 203, 209, 221 and 811, Saint Mel’s Italian American Association, Senior Club at St. Kevin’s Parish, SNAP of Eastern Queens Innovative Senior Center, State Farm’s Jonathan W. Schenck, The Lowell School, Townsend Harris High School and the William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School.
“I was overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of my constituents who helped bring holiday cheer to those in need,” Braunstein said. “I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to our community and our schools for continuing to make these gift drives such a success. Since we received so many donations, we were able to bring smiles to the faces of thousands of needy children, as well as hundreds of hospitalized veterans this holiday season.”
