May 2024 Newsletter
| Our monthly newsletter is usually a summary of all things that happened since the previous month. We will incorporate those news bits here, but our May Meeting was of a little different format and intention. We wanted to use the meeting time to concentrate on fortifying and expanding our Sub-Committees idea. Because we have grown in numbers and the needs of the community continue to grow, we are trying to establish large, strong committees for each individual initiative (i.e. Kids in Crisis, Seniors, Literacy, Adopt-a-Pantry, etc.). This way, you can pick a specific “arena” or two in which to be a worker or collaborator. Continuous building is essential to any organization. It’s dangerous to become stagnant or complacent, so we have always been ardent in looking forward and growing.. We are happy to say that May’s meeting did entice new Sub-Committee members, lots of chatter, and hands-on participation. New Sub-Committees – Grant Writing (Jayne Cooper) and Hospitality (Carole Speth). Sustenance through grant awards is imperative for our many initiatives. Constant vigilance for applying for and tracking awards is essential. Another first for the Giving Circle. We recognized three amazing high school seniors for their community service and leadership. Michael Barzal, Monsignor Farrell High School Michael was an integral part of building our partnership with Monsignor Farrell and Volunteers at St Roch’s Food Pantry. Fairleigh Dickinson University Class of 2028 Charles Sciarrino, Staten Island Academy Co-founded the first Staten Island Junior Giving Circle in 2018 (elementary school through high school) Georgia Tech Class of 2028 Charlotte Togba, Curtis High School Link Crew Leader, reporter for Staten Island Advance Howard University Class of 2028    |
 We continue to hold dear our years’ long relationship with Joel Cohen, an original SIGC member, who died in April. The Seniors Moving Sub-Committee will tag its next seniors’ event “In Honor of Joel Cohen.” Joel’s family has requested donations in Memory of Joel be made to the Staten Island Giving Circle. |
 Click here to donate directly to Value A Veteran On the Move Military Food Pantry began in March with a grocery giveaway. This month we have provided groceries and other necessities to twenty five veterans. The event was held at Gold Star Post in Travis. We are extremely grateful to Lifestyles for the Disabled for their generous donation of both perishable and non-perishable food items. 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 |
 | We are happy to tell you about a new Community Partnership with the Berry Homes. Because there are children, seniors, some military and new migrant families in or near the Berry Houses, there are many opportunities to help out. We will adding them to the Adopt-A-Pantry program, planning children’s birthday parties, and Lifestyles offer of hot lunches for their upcoming Seniors Bingo Brunch. We hope to put together a group of volunteers for after school homework help beginning in September. |
 | We are excited to say that the Staten Island Reading Association will be honoring our literacy advocacy, specifically Ann Clinton for her penning of “Learning About Giving” and Charlotte Sciarrino, our Love of Literacy Leader. This is a great opportunity to support Charlotte as she plans for launching a new, stronger plan for mentoring underserved children in reading. Charlotte is currently looking for reading mentors to work in collaboration with Urban Hope’s reading program. |
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 We had one charity raffle winner this month. It was Pat Schwimer’s first win in 10 years. Pat chose to put the $250 towards our Weekend Food Backpack Program. |
 Our current Flag Fundraiser is underway, tickets can be purchased through June 20th. The winning ticket will be drawn at the meeting. We are raising funds for our Military Food Pantry. We will be hosting our Annual Pasta Dinner & Basket Bash on Sunday, November 3rd. Please save the date on your calendars. |
| Reminder to purchase your ticket(s) for our current flag raffle. Please contact Stacy for tickets. saberthelon@gmail.com Venmo: @StatenIslandGivingCircle  |
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 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. |
 We want to thank everyone for their generous donations for our Annual Swimsuit Collection. A special thanks to our friends at Primark who dropped off an abundance of swimwear and flip flops and an additional monetary donation. Our collection of swimsuits, flip flops and pool towels will continue through June. 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 |