Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato
Dozens of volunteers across at least six organizations made the supply drive a rousing success.
By Michael V. Cusenza
Earlier this month, dozens of volunteers organized and packaged supplies for one of the largest Ukraine-aid drives in South Queens, according to Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach), who helped spearhead the event.
Solent Freight Services, a freight forwarder with ties to South Queens, partnered with community groups Ozone Park Residents Block Association; Kiwanis International of Woodhaven and Ozone Park; Lions Club International of Ozone Park, Woodhaven, and Howard Beach; Living Word Christian Fellowship; and Pheffer Amato’s office to gather much-needed supplies and organize a collection for Ukraine.
Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato
Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato talks to a young volunteer.
Throughout the month of March, residents of the Rockaway Peninsula, Broad Channel, Ozone Park, and Howard Beach dropped off supplies the assemblywoman’s district office. In addition, State Attorney General Tish James personally worked with Pheffer Amato and Queens County Clerk Audrey Pheffer (the assemblywoman’s mom!) to gather baby supplies and feminine hygiene products.
Last Saturday, March 19, all of those donations were dropped off at Living World Church where volunteers from the community were busy organizing the aid packages that would be sent to Ukrainian families in need. Pheffer Amato arrived with two fully packed cars with goods that had been donated by the community.
“Our office was filled from top to bottom with donations and purchases from the amazing people in this district. This is what we do—we step up,” Pheffer Amato said. Throughout the day rows and rows of cars could be seen lining the Cross Bay Boulevard at Sutter Avenue with people hopping out to drop off their donations. In the end, tractor trailers were stuffed with the generous donations; several more vehicles were needed to help carry the extra supplies.
“When you ask what makes a community, it’s this. Joining forces with these groups just shows that no matter who you are, where you are, or what you need, this community will find a way to help you,” Pheffer Amato said.
