Queens, Council Members James F. Gennaro and Robert Holden have teamed up to spearhead a Borough-wide donation drive for Ukrainian refugees who have fled to Poland to escape the ongoing Russian invasion. A number of Council Members from the Queens Delegation will be participating by offering drop-off sites, including Council Member Francisco Moya, Council Member Vickie Paladino, Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers, Council Member Linda Lee, Council Member Nantasha Williams and Council Member Sandra Ung. The Associazione Culturale Italiana Di New York will cover the cost of shipment to Rzeszow - a city in Poland located near the border of Ukraine. The Polish Consulate and President of Rzeszow, Konrad Fijołek, are helping to coordinate the final drop-off in Poland, ensuring donations will go directly to Ukrainian refugees.
There are a total of 25 sponsors for the drive next week, assisting with logistics ranging from transport to outreach to financial assistance. The long list of sponsors also include the Federazione Italo-Americana Di Brooklyn and Queens, Comm. Tony Di Piazza, Comm. Joseph Ficalora, ECS Globe Air, WAW Humanitarian Goods, Fucsia Fitzgerald Nissoli, Ficalora Family Foundation, the CHAZAQ Organization, Chaverim of Queens, New York Community Bank, Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, Cross County Savings Bank, Webster Bank, Richmond County Savings Foundation and Seka Moving Company.
"I was deeply moved when I saw the atrocities taking place in Ukraine, and was compelled to help. It is an honor and a privilege to help organize this drive, which I hope will yield many useful donations for the people who have been displaced by this needless bloodshed," said Council Member James F. Gennaro. "This is a large-scale, joint effort that could not happen without the help of our many community partners. I'd like to thank Council Member Holden for helping us coordinate the drive, the Queens Delegation for jumping on board to help collect donations across the Borough, as well as the several groups and individuals who have turned this vision into a reality. I encourage everyone who can to donate so that this drive is a big success!"
"As the invasion of Ukraine touches the world, I'm proud that my fellow New Yorkers of many diverse cultures in Queens are once again eager to help. I thank all who donate these badly needed items and all who made this drive possible, including Comm. Tony Di Piazza , Comm. Joseph Ficalora, the Federazione Italo-Americana Di Brooklyn and Queens, the Associazione Cuturale Italiana Di New York, my fellow elected officials and all the numerous organizations who have come together to show the world that we care about the people of Ukraine," said Council Member Robert Holden.
"The events unfolding in Ukraine are of extreme concern to the Italian-American community, and we cannot sit idle and continue watching the death and destruction. Our organizations for several decades have been generous for numerous causes, and we have come together once again to assist those in need," said Comm. Tony Di Piazza, Comm. Joseph Ficalora, the Federazione Italo-Americana Di Brooklyn and Queens, and the Associazione Cuturale Italiana Di New York in a joint statement. "We are proud to partner with several elected officials, including Council Members Robert Holden and James Gennaro, and several groups to collect donations for the Ukrainian refugees. Comm. Tony Di Piazza and Comm. Joseph Ficalora are also proud to contribute a collective $100,000 to the cause. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people, and we pray for peace in Eastern Europe."
"Having relatives who lived through the atrocities of the Korean War and were displaced as a result, watching the horror of history repeat itself is too close to bear," said Queens Delegation Co-Chair Council Member Linda Lee. "I am proud to partner with Nantasha Williams and the Queens Delegation to help deliver some measure of comfort and relief to the people of Ukraine amidst this crisis. Thanks to Council Members Gennaro and Holden's leadership, we are sending a message loud and clear that the world will never be silent in the face of oppression and tyranny."
"The decision to leave the life you know behind in the hopes of finding relief is an utterly difficult and painful one. Too many refugee families face heart-breaking conditions, discrimination, homelessness during their journey," said Queens Delegation Co-Chair Council Member Nantasha Williams. "I would like to thank Council Members Gennaro and Holden for spearheading this most needed drive. I look forward to collaborating with the Queens Delegation to collect donations and supplies for the people in Ukraine."
"As someone who knows what it’s like to be forced to flee their homeland to escape the ravages of war, I feel the pain of the over one million Ukrainians who have been forced to flee to Poland to escape Russian aggression," said Council Member Sandra Ung. “I am urging residents across Queens to donate what they can to show the people of Ukraine they are not alone. My district office at 135-27 38th Avenue will be accepting donations from Monday, March 7, until Friday, March 11, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m."
"The world has endured a tremendous amount of suffering due to COVID and now as Ukrainians seek shelter away from the egregious situation happening in their home, anything we can do to bring solace to people in need is what New Yorkers are all about. I am honored to join my colleagues Council Members Gennaro and Holden, and the Queens Delegation to host these donation drives to help our Ukrainian brothers and sisters," said Council Member Francisco Moya.
Residents who wish to support the Queens Delegation's efforts may donate canned food, clothing, children's toys (without batteries), sealed pet food and toiletries. High demand items include non-perishable food, clothes and footwear, thermal underwear, hygiene products, blankets, bedding, disposable table wear, first aid kits, tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, standalone lamps and candles.
The donation drive will run through next week, with the following dates, times and locations:
Council Member Vickie Paladino – March 7-11, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 20-15 Francis Lewis Boulevard in Whitestone
Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers – March 7-11, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 1931 Mott Avenue, Suite 410 in Far Rockaway
Council Member Linda Lee – March 7-11, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 73-03 Bell Boulevard in Oakland Gardens
Council Member Nantasha Williams – March 7-11, 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 122-05 Smith Street in Jamaica
Council Member Sandra Ung – March 7-11, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 135-27 38th Avenue, Suite 388 in Flushing
Council Member James F. Gennaro and the CHAZAQ Organization – March 10, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 141-47 72 Avenue in Kew Gardens Hills
Council Member Francisco Moya – March 10, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 106-01 Corona Avenue in Corona
Council Member Robert Holden and the Associazone Culturale Italiana Di New York – March 12-13, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 66-31 Fresh Pond Road in Ridgewood.
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