March 2024 Newsletter
   On Wednesday, March 20th, the Senior Movement Committee hosted an International Lunch for 70 community seniors. The SIGC is a very large, diverse group of volunteers representing many different home countries. Food is a connector so we decided to show off our diversity through the foods from our many representative countries. There were delicacies from Italy, Sri Lanka, Liberia, Slovakia, Ireland, Columbia, Egypt, England, Israel and more. The main dish and dessert choices were very well received. The day was different, fun and we were happy to be able to represent so many peoples and cultures. Entertainment was provided by Crystal Image as music is also a wonderful connector for seniors.  |
 Click here to donate directly to Value A Veteran Our newest initiative, On the Move Military Food Pantry kicked off on March 20th with a grocery giveaway, including non perishable items, fresh fruits, vegetables and hygiene products. The event was held at Gold Star Post in Travis. If you know a veteran, veteran’s spouse or an active military member who can benefit from this program please contact Kathy Barzal at KathySIGC@gmail.com Next opening April 25th. |
 Our long standing Adopt A Pantry Program, led by Carol Crocitto, distributed $7000 in supermarket gift cards to local food pantries. This week we recognized fourteen pantries, each receiving $500 to stock their shelves with most needed items. In addition to the gift cards each pantry represented was given a shopping bag filled with socks, underwear and t-shirts donated to us from Bombas. We had an additional 4 pantries who could not join us and we hope to see them at a future meeting. |
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 We had two winners splitting the pot of $410. Each of their selected charities will receive $205. Laura Norden selected Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services. Billie Wilson chose to support Giving Circle initiatives. |
 The date of our Annual Pasta Dinner and Basket Bash was announced. Please save the date, November 3rd, on your calendars. |
 Reminder to purchase your ticket(s) for our current fundraiser. Please contact Evelyn for tickets. |
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 Our guest speaker was Rena Appel Schainholz, of Ohel Children’s Home and Family Services. Ohel provides the following services for seniors: home visits, support groups, community-wide events for Holocaust survivors and their families or caregivers. Read more about their programs here. |
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 We were very happy to have Nisha and Giovanella from PCCS join us. PCCS (Person Centered Care Services) has been our partner for the last two years. They assist with our Weekend Food Backpack Program: taking delivery, sorting/storing, packing backpacks and delivering to our 8 community schools. Each week they deliver 125 backpacks. |
 Interested in volunteering your time please email Kathy Barzal at KathySIGC@gmail.com We will have several monthly opportunities for you to join us in serving our community. |
 Our newest mural for District 31 Pre-K Centers at the Teleport was completed by Josue Mendez of JM Custom Art Studio. Special thanks to Lynne Persing for her sponsorship. Josue is a great friend to the Giving Circle. The previous weekend we were invited to a Paint and Sip event hosted by Josue at Casa Nino. Our group enjoyed a fun night of creativity! |
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 We want to thank everyone for their generous donations of daily necessities. A special shout out goes to the Leadership, Human Resources & Loss Prevention teams at Amazon Delivery Station DYY6 for their donation, which included: toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and feminine hygiene products. Our April Bring Along theme is Mothers Day. We will be collecting nail polish, nail files, travel size perfume, cosmetics and jewelry. See flyer below. |
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Please add our meeting dates to your 2024 calendar. |
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 | To make a donation please use the following: Venmo: @StatenIslandGivingCircle PayPal:SIGivingCircle@aol.com Checks may be mailed to: Staten Island Giving Circle PO Box 120301 Staten Island NY 10312 |
 | We get inquiries for teens looking to score service hours to satisfy school requirements. We have been recommending the students organize a collection of food (cereal, granola bars, fruit cups) to be used for our Food Insecurity initiatives. Students can create flyers, host the collection and deliver to the recipients for their service credit. Please contact us for a list of items needed. |
 Michele Yacovello 917.733.7937 MicheleSIGC@gmail.com Evelyn Kormanik H: 718.980.4862 C: 646.240.7486 sigivingcircle@aol.com |