HOMETOWN HAPPENINGS: Season of Giving

By George Hoehmann
Supervisor, Town of Clarkstown

One of the best things about this time of year is being able to give back to those in need in our community. There are many ways we can help our neighbors and I’m proud that the Town of Clarkstown is doing our part! Having worked for various not-for-profits for many years prior to becoming Supervisor, I know firsthand how helpful the donations and assistance from municipalities and residents can be.

This year, we started the Clarkstown Cares Coat Drive and with the help of three of our local dry cleaners we are collecting coats for kids and adults. The dry cleaners will clean the coats and the Town will then bring the coats to three organizations: Martin Luther King Center, People to People, and Advocates for Change. I’m asking you to take a look through your closets and donate any coats you may no longer need. Help us keep our neighbors warm this winter!

The collection sites are Touch of Class, 377 S. Main Street, New City; Personal Touch Cleaners, 301 N. Main Street, Spring Valley; and Cleanique Cleaners, 53 Bardonia Rd., Bardonia.

Also, this year we’re collecting new winter hats, gloves and scarves at the Winter Wonderland at the Congers Community Center. Come check out the new LED light display at Congers Lake and decorate our tree with your donated winter accessories.

Every year, the Marine Corp League runs the Toys for Tots program collecting thousands of toys for children of all ages. We have a donation box located in the lobby of Town Hall. If you would like to donate, please bring toys to the lobby on the second floor.

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season surrounds us, it’s heartwarming to see the generosity displayed by many of you. I’m amazed by the kindness and willingness of the residents of Clarkstown to help our fellow residents. As we prepare for the holidays, shopping, cooking and spending time with family and friends, I hope you take comfort, as I do, in knowing we played a small role in spreading kindness and the spirit of the holidays.

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