By Bill Parry
More than 1,600 winter coats were distributed to families and people in need after state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) teamed up with Burlington Coat Factory, Delta Airlines, Delivering Good and New York Cares during his 7th annual coat drive. In the past eight years more than 10,000 coats were delivered to local and faith-based organizations.
“Sadly, some hardworking families and neighbors cannot afford to buy winter coats as they struggle to make ends meet. This is why it is very important to me we ensure they can keep warm during the harsh winter months,” Peralta said. “Every year we are able to donate winter coats to those who need them, and this is possible thanks to the cooperation of our co-sponsors, in this case, Burlington, Delivering Good, Delta Airlines and New York Cares. They are the ones that make this possible winter after winter.”
The inaugural coat drive in 2011 collected 250 winter jackets, but now his initiative is in full drive with more co-sponsors.
“This year our LaGuardia Airport employees donated 250 coats to organizations and individuals in need,” Delta Airlines Managing Director for LGA Operations said. “We are honored to give back to communities in which we live, work, and serve.”
Many of the winter jackets went to several shelters for homeless families in Peralta’s district.
“Families who are living in shelter rarely have the funds to purchase coats that will keep themselves and their children warm throughout these cold winter months, but thanks to Sen. Peralta, parents and children at the Kings Inn and the Landing Family Shelter will be provided for this winter,” CAMBA President and CEO Joanne Oplustil said. CAMBA is the service provider for the shelters.
Other organizations receiving winter jackets were the Muammadi Center of Jackson Heights, the Elmcore Youth and Activities Center, Saint Mark AME and Catholic Charities.
“It’s a great day when we can come together in this way to help struggling families make ends meet,” Monsignor Alfred LoPinto, president and CEO of Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens, said. “Many of our clients are low-income residents from the senator’s district facing economic hardships and lacking affordable housing. This event ensures that those in need will stay warm these coming months and we look forward to working with the senator as he continues to serve our brothers and sisters in his senatorial district and the larger community.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
