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Contact: Frank Sobrino 718.205.3881
State Senator Jose Peralta on Saturday distributed more than 1,200 new and gently-used donated coats to churches, family shelters and community-based organizations for distribution to needy families struggling to keep warm during the current spate of frigid weather.
Co-sponsored by Assemblyman Francisco Moya, Woodside on the Move and United Healthcare, Senator Peralta’s Fifth Annual Coat Drive provided coats to LaGuardia Family Center, Chhaya CDC, Muhammadi Center, First Baptist Church and Kings Inn Family Center, among other local organizations.
“The economic recovery has been slow and there are still many families struggling to make ends meet,” said Senator Peralta. “Our coat drive will help some of the families most in need to keep warm in this frigid weather and through the rest of the winter.”
“This is our fifth coat drive and, fortunately, each year we’re able to help more people,” added Sen. Peralta. “In 2011, we distributed about 250 coats. Four years later, we gave out five times that many coats, more than 1,200 in all.
“I’m very proud of that and we owe it all to the generosity of Burlington Coat Factory, K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Delta Airlines and Local 338.”
Assemblyman Moya said: “For thousands of New Yorkers, winter is all the more bitter because they don’t have the proper outerwear. Without a winter coat, the colder months are almost unbearable. I am proud to co-sponsor this coat drive because it will not only help our fellow New Yorkers weather the winter months, it will also help inspire a shared sense of community in Queens. We are all responsible for one another and no New Yorker should have to choose between food and warmth.”
Adrian Bordoni, executive director of Woodside on the Move, said: “Woodside on The Move thanks Senator Peralta and Assemblymember Moya for their leadership and tireless support of community-based organizations addressing the needs of our communities. As the weather has proven to be unusually harsh this winter, we are happy to provide coats to local families in Queens: we thank Burlington Coat Factory, K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, Delta Airlines, Local 338, United Health Care, TJ Maxx and Starbucks for their donations, a true team effort reflecting their interest providing for the well being of our residents.”
Lisa D. Gurwitch, president and CEO of K.I.D.S./Fashion Delivers, said: “So far this season, the Warm Coats and Warm Hearts program with Burlington Stores has helped local charities across the country provide more than 130,000 coats to people in need. This partnership allows us to reach deep into local communities to help individuals and families nationwide through nearly 300 community charities. A single coat can have a great impact on the person who receives it, so to see the program come alive in such a large way is very gratifying to us and our supporters.”
Gail Grimmett, Delta senior vice president – New York, said: “Delta is committed to giving back each day to the communities where we live and serve. As New York’s largest airline, we have a strong commitment to this community. On behalf of the Delta employees who assisted with this coat collection and distribution, we are proud to work with New York State Senator Jose Peralta to help provide for families and individuals in need.”
John R. Durso, Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW president, said: “Local 338 prides itself on giving back to our communities to support all working people, not simply just our members. So many are suffering, particularly with the frigid temperatures we’ve had over the last week. We’re glad to be able to give the gift of warmth to families in need.”
TJ Maxx and Starbucks also supported Sen. Peralta’s coat drive.
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