The Secret Sandy Claus Project is collecting toys for children affected by Hurricane Sandy. Photo Courtesy Secret Sandy Claus Project
While planning out presents this month, consider making a special gift to one of the many local charities that are working to bring happy holidays to individuals in need.
Food pantries
Food pantries are always in need of food. But recently the federal government cut funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, meaning more families are visiting the pantries. Considering donating to one of the many pantries located in Queens to help curb food insecurity during the holidays.
The River Fund
riverfund-ny.org
718-441-1125
89-11 Lefferts Blvd.,
Richmond Hill, N.Y. 11418
Hour Children
hourchildren.org
718-433-4724
13-07 37th Ave
Long Island City, N.Y. 11101
Apostolic Christian Fellowship Temple
718-337-1671
333 Beach 32nd St., #1d
Queens, NY – 11691
Toys
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens
Catholic Charities is collecting toys and gift cards at its community centers. New unwrapped gifts can be dropped off in Queens at 23-40 Astoria Blvd. in Astoria. Cash donations are also accepted and can be submitted online or can be mailed to:
Catholic Charities Toy Drive, Office of Development
191 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11201
Catholic Charities is also working to provide warm clothing, food and other support to those in need during the holidays.
Secret Sandy Claus Project
For the second year in a row, the Secret Sandy Claus Project is working to deliver toys to New York children who were affected by Hurricane Sandy. More than 1,000 kids have signed up to received presents. For more information, visit www.gofundme.com/sandyclaus. The campaign is working to reach a goal of $12,000 and is currently at just over $10,000. Tax-deductible donations can be submitted through the website or mailed to:
Secret Sandy Claus Project
c/o Michael Sciaraffo
2227 East 1st Street
Brooklyn, N.Y. 11223
Toys may be dropped off at the Kew Gardens Cinemas at 81-05 Lefferts Blvd., Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder’s offices at 108-14 Cross Bay Blvd. or 214 96 St. in Rockaway, Councilman Eric Ulrich’s offices at 93-06 101 Ave. in Ozone Park or 115-06 Beach Channel Drive in Rockaway, and state Sen. Joe Addabbo’s offices at 159-53 102 St. in Howard Beach or 66-85 73rd Pl. in Middle Village.
WIC Program
Toys for small children are being collected for low-income families who are enrolled in the Women and Infant Children Food Assistance Program. The toys will be handed out to infants and children up to age 5 at their holiday party on Dec. 20 at 857 Onderdonk Ave. Gifts should be wrapped and include a note indicating whether the gift is for a boy or girl and an age range.
Coats and clothing
Dress for Success
This international organization provides economically disadvantaged women with business attire and career development training. Dress for Success accepts clothing and monetary donations.
The Queens Branch of Dress for Success is located at:
114-14 Jamaica Avenue
Richmond Hill, N.Y. 11418
718-805-2488
dressforsuccess.org
Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive
Each year the Burlington Coat Factory holds its annual Warm Coats & Warm Hearts Drive in partnership with ABC’s Good Morning America and the non-profit organization One Warm Coat. Coats are collected and distributed to help make sure everyone stays warm during the winter.
Burlington Coat Factory
96-05 Queens Blvd.
Rego Park, N.Y. 11374
Pets
Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals
Now through Dec. 31, donations made to the Mayor’s Alliance Wheels of Hope initiative, which works to save pets from euthanasia, will be matched dollar for dollar by two anonymous foundations.
Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals
animalalliancenyc.org
212-252-2350
244 Fifth Ave., Suite R290
New York, N.Y. 10001
By Bianca Fortis
