State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. is partnering with the Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to host a rain barrel giveaway event in Richmond Hill on Saturday, Aug. 13.
The event will be held in the parking lot of Holy Child Jesus Church, located at 111-16 86th Ave. Staff from Addabbo’s office and DEP will be there between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Participants who register for the giveaway with Addabbo’s office will be able to pick up their rain barrel from 10 a.m. to noon, and from noon to 1 p.m. any leftover barrels will be given to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registrants are asked to enter Holy Child Jesus Church on 86th Avenue to pick up their rain barrels and exit onto 111th Street in order to keep everyone safe and traffic flowing in one direction.
“When residents use these rain barrels to capture excess rainwater, it can have a major impact on our environment here in the city,” Addabbo said. “By using the stored rainwater for household tasks such as watering their garden or washing their car instead of from the tap, residents not only preserve their drinking water, but they can also save some money on their water bills.”
The rain barrels that will be given away are 55-gallon plastic barrels that attach to a rain gutter to collect and store excess water during periods of rainfall. That rainwater can then later be used to complete tasks around the house and outdoors, rather than using fresh water.
“I would like to thank DEP for again partnering on these incredibly popular events with me again this year,” Addabbo said. “It’s also great to partner with the Richmond Hill-South Ozone Park Lions Club and the parish of Holy Child Jesus Church, and I appreciate their efforts. The communities love the rain barrels and it is a great way for everyone to pitch in and help protect our environment. I encourage everyone who wants a rain barrel to call my office to register.”
To register for a free rain barrel, call Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111 and leave your first and last name and a phone number.
