What: GIFT CARD/METRO-CARD/CASH DONATION Drive & Collection
When: THIS WEEK! Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9/28-/9/30
Where: School drop off 8:10-8:40 & Pick Up
Hello from the Community Outreach Committee, and a very Happy New Year to those who are celebrating.
As we’ve all been hearing in the news, recent immigrants and asylum seekers are arriving in NYC by the busload each day and being placed in shelters and temporary housing. There are many citywide efforts by both established organizations and impromptu volunteer groups, and we encourage everyone to help wherever you can (Spanish speakers, check out Team TLC in particular).
In our own community, PS 124 is in URGENT NEED of support for ~30 children from more than 21 families seeking asylum who have joined their school. This number is expected to grow.
The biggest immediate need is for:
- Gift cards to local Stores: Urban Market, Steve’s C-Town, Target, Save on Fifth, and DII, so that families are able to purchase exactly what they need.
- Metro-cards in $15 and $30 increments are crucial so that families may keep appointments for services and job search.
- Cash donations, which will go directly to the PS124 Mutual Aid fund set up to help these families.
- Anyone with expertise navigating immigration and housing and tenancy law would be an absolute godsend.
Any such person who wishes to support should please contact the volunteer coordinator at PS124 directly:
Rachel Weaber, rachel@personalchefrachel.com
646-431-1424
Donations of any of the above items, as well as cash donations, will be collected in front of school at morning drop off and afternoon pick-up Wednesday, Thursday & Friday this week.
Many more families with school age children are expected in coming days at other family shelters across South Slope and Sunset Park, and there will be an ongoing need for assistance across District 15 schools, including PS169 and continuing at PS124. We will be organizing other events in the coming weeks and are open to volunteers/ideas/resources – stay tuned!
Any questions or to coordinate donations at other times, please feel free to reach out to Brittany or Sarah directly.
Thank you!