2023 Annual Impact Report

The Weekend Food Backpack Program provided approximately 4000 grocery bags over the course of the school year. 2000 jars of peanut butter and jelly, 4000 boxes of cereal 2000 boxes of pancake mix and syrup 6000 boxes of Mac and cheese 12,000 granola bars 3000 packages of microwave popcorn 3000 bags of rice 8000 cans of black beans and too many other items to name here.

During our second year running the Fort Wadsworth Food & Essentials Closet donations and grants totaling $60,000 were spent on groceries, diapers and baby wipes. This number does not reflect the numerous individual collections that were held throughout the year by some of our community partners, junior giving circles and local schools. These in kind donations represent approximately $20,000 in goods.

At our summer Adopt-A-Pantry distribution we awarded 13 Staten Island Food Pantries $500 in gift cards totaling $6500. In October we awarded an additional 2 pantries $500 each and one pantry received $300. An additional $3200 has been awarded separately. For a total of $11,000 for the year.

Our literacy leaders worked with PS57’s after school program to provide one-on-one and group reading help to 20 2nd and 3rd graders. They met weekly from January to June.

Value a Veteran is our newest initiative, in just a few short months we have distributed over $1500 to veterans in need who are identified by our partners at Rolling Thunder.

Two new Junior Giving Circles were started. Here are some stats from our Annual Unwanted Halloween Candy Collection *940 pounds of candy collected *15 organizations and schools collected & donated to SIGC *31 volunteers made 1,300 goodie bags and multiple big bags of candy *17 schools, organizations and food pantries are now able to give away the candy in the coming months as it is needed.

Over 150 pairs of pajama and books were given away at two of our partner schools. Supported the teen program at South Beach Psychiatric on a quarterly basis. Over 100 donated coats were distributed to various individuals in need of winter wear. More than 1000 donated toys were given away during the holiday season. Co-created a bilingual illustrated children’s book “Learning About Giving” and donated copies to our partner schools. Hosted a Mother’s Day collection and made over 100 gift bags from these items for children to give to their mothers. We co-hosted a community baby shower for Coast Guard expectant mothers.

January: hats, scarves and gloves February: blankets March: Spring baskets April: Mother’s Day collection May: bathing suits and towels June: bathing suits and towels July: school supplies August: school supplies September: items for fundraiser October: Veteran’s Day cards November: new toys.

The speakers at the monthly meetings represented diverse programs on Staten Island. NAMI heightened our awareness of mental health needs and support services on the Island.  Rolling Thunder SI introduced us to their programs and partnered with The Fort Wadsworth Food and Essentials Closet to help stock shelves. Canine Companions brought a service dog who charmed all in attendance while explaining the role of service dogs for the hearing impaired. Other guests included: SSG Michael Ollis Freedom Foundation Staten Island Foundation Fatherhood Matters Sandy Hook Pilots Charitable Foundation Children’s Aid Society Tunnel To Towers

In 2023 we acknowledged more than 16 recipients with a random act of kindness. Those in need received a gift card or an Amazon delivery to help them through a difficult time.

We hosted two events for seniors, the first was a summer dessert buffet held at Canterbury with live entertainment and dancing. The second, hosted by ACT Cares, was a luncheon with entertainment, dancing and holiday gifts.

We provided 3 teachers $500 each to spend on classroom school supplies. In addition, we held a contest on social media and awarded three teachers Staple’s gift cards totaling $175.

We continue to build partnerships across Staten Island and this year we must highlight two of our strongest new connections: Lifestyles For the Disabled and Person Centered Care Services.

Michele Yacovello 917.733.7937 MicheleSIGC@gmail.com Evelyn Kormanik H: 718.980.4862 C: 646.240.7486 sigivingcircle@aol.com