Giving Warmth and Toys Brings Joy

NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler distributed 1200 toys to five schools as part of District 33’s School Equity Initiative. *Photo credit: NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler’s office*

During the coldest part of the year our community becomes its warmest. Neighbors donated coats, food, and toys to neighbors in need.

NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez organized a coat drive that began on December 1 and will continue through January 7. *Photo credit: NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez’s office*

The Brinn Group and Little Essentials partnered with NYC Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez for District 34’s toy drive; toys were handed out at the Moore Street Market. The council member also organized a coat drive that began on December 1. “I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the amount of donations we received for our winter coat drive! Joe from our team delivered your generous donations to schools in the District. Thank you so much to all who donated – and we will continue to collect coats until January 7,” said Gutiérrez. Collection sites and schedule are: El Puente Independence Towers (114 Taylor Street) Monday–Friday 2:30 p.m.–10 p.m.; Office of NYC Council Member Gutiérrez (244 Union Avenue) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday (closed January 2) from 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; RiseBoro 85 (Melrose Street) Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Moore Street Market (110 Moore Street) Thursday–Saturday 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday–Wednesday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

NYC Council Member Lincoln Restler distributed 1200 toys as part of District 33’s School Equity Initiative. “My team and I did our best to bring some extra holiday cheer to some of our highest need schools. … We gave out 1,200 brand new toys as gifts to every student at P.S. 307, P.S. 54, P.S. 157, P.S. 380 and J.H.S. 126! We’re so thankful to everyone who helped us make this happen to bring some joy to these kiddos and their families this holiday season. Thank you to the amazing volunteers who donated toys and helped sort and transport gifts. This effort would not have been possible without our wonderful partners at The Service Collective, Spread Love Brooklyn, Grace Church Nursery School, and Books Are Magic!” said Restler

(l to r)School Settlement Association’s (SSA) Lorelei Fermin and Rick Martinez with Principal Teresa Del Priore of the AHRC Francis of Paola Early Learning Center. SSA brough 75 toys to the students of the school.

School Settlement Association (120 Jackson Street) delivered 75 toys they collected to the students of AHRC Francis of Paola Early Learning Center, which offers services and supports for students with disabilities and developmental delays.