By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Woodhaven) and the City Department of Environmental Protection are teaming up to host a rain barrel giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot of Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, located at 101-41 91st St. in Ozone Park.
To register for the giveaway, participants must live within the 15th Senatorial District and call his office at (718) 738-1111 to have their name, address and phone number put on the list. There is a limit of one barrel per household.
Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo
“Residents with rain barrels attached to their homes not only preserve their drinking water, but they can also save some money on their water bills,” Sen. Addabbo said.
At the event, registrants must show photo ID to confirm their name and address in order to claim their barrel. Distribution will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Any leftover barrels will be given to the public on a first-come first-served basis from noon to 1 p.m.
The 55-gallon plastic rain barrels 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. The water collected in the rain barrels is not for drinking.
“Rain barrels are very useful tools that have a positive impact on residents,” Addabbo said. “With a quick and easy setup, the rain barrels can collect rainwater which can then be used for a wide range of tasks such as watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning windows and other chores. Residents with rain barrels attached to their homes not only preserve their drinking water, but they can also save some money on their water bills.”
