Weekly Update
Although we’ve been hearing holiday music in the stores since August, the coveted celebrations and joy have somehow sneaked up on to us too quickly!?!?
We do wish you all wonderful emotions the season brings.
We were hoping to send you a short recap of the last several weeks….short is impossible, but do take note of a few extra special notes. More will be spewed after the days of celebration. I personally vow to write something once a week to you all in the New Year. We feel that so much is happening so fast that it’s essential to keep you informed and interested. Along with my resolution to “talk to you” once a week (probably Tuesdays) in the New Year, my other plea to you all is “START WITH YES”. I think this is a mantra we can all buy into.
Staten Island Giving Circle HUB is almost ready for everyone to see. This is our new organizational space. Its last “tenant” was Bozo’s Army/Navy Store at 4170 Hylan Blvd. You should see it now! Even yesterday, it began its Christening when about 20 teen students from My Sister’s Keeper, representing eight intermediate schools, congregated to listen to Michele’s explanation of who, what, when and where the Staten Island Giving Circle is and how we can partner with them in the New Year. The military veterans’ food distribution has also taken up residence when it’s the food give-away day (that will be once a month). The space will also open its arms to seniors’ and kids’ gatherings. And, of course, the SIGC volunteers/members now have a great space for a variety of activities and STORAGE which is big for us. I feel sure the 10,000 pairs of Bombas socks slated to arrive in a few months will be much more comfortable at our new location than in my garage.
Our late November/December events were total successes. Please take time to read the SI LIVE summary (link below) of our Adopt-a-Veteran Luncheon on December 4.
BTW, one of the veterans (Navy, Viet Nam) in our new program is housebound and terribly disabled and being cared for by his son. They need a used car (they have no resources to buy a car, but if you know of someone willing to donate an old one, please contact us). Yes, many of the veterans lack private transportation, but believe me when I say, this particular situation is “above and beyond.”
There will be another article written for inclusion in the newspaper/SI Live soon about our December 9 Seniors’ Luncheon which was a wonderful holiday treat for Canterbury, Act Cares and a few New Lane residents.
We are looking forward to beginning a New Year of collaboration with Berry Homes for our Literacy, Children’s Birthday Parties, and Seniors’ activities.
We thank all the leaders of all of Sub-Committees (don’t forget Adopt-a-Pantry, Junior Giving Circles, Fundraising, Roving Speakers, Value-a-Veteran, and our team tending to the homeless. If you aren’t on one of these established committees, here’s the perfect time to RESOLVE to sign on. Or if you have a new idea for a category/population to assist, let us know.
Enjoy your celebrations (nice to have Christmas and Hanukkah fall on the same day).