Winter Coats to Kids from Steinway and The New York City Clothing Bank
With cold weather approaching, Steinway Child and Family Services and the New York City Clothing Bank will distribute new, never-worn winter coats free-of-charge to150 children aged 2 to 12 on Monday, Nov. 9th from 3 to 6 pm at Steinway’s Long Island City headquarters. Coats will go to needy Steinway clients and are being offered now so that children and their parents will not have to worry about winter’s start.
“We believe that that the people who depend on us cannot overcome emotional problems when they are overwhelmed by a lack of warm winter clothing or inadequate food or poor housing,” noted Mary D. Redd, Steinway President and CEO. “That is why we are offering the coats. It is also the reason that we are one of New York’s few mental health/human service agencies to run a food pantry.”
Young people are the overwhelming majority of the agency’s clients, accounting for 65 percent of Steinway’s total caseload. Coats will also be available to the children of adult clients. Staff report that parents are already asking for help securing winter clothes.
The children will shop for their own coats. “Sales” help from Steinway and New York City Clothing Bank will help young people make their choice. Coat recipients will also get gloves and a hat.
Ms. Redd stressed that, “these are tough times. We’re working to reduce the economy’s impact on those least able to cope with the recession. We are truly grateful to the good people at the New York City Clothing Bank for their generosity”
Established in 1972, Steinway is dedicated to helping troubled people of all ages with mental health, case management, preventive HIV/AIDS and residential services. SCFS targets underserved populations. No one is ever turned away because of an inability to pay. All programming is community-based. Emergency help is available round-the-clock, every day of the year. For more information on Steinway Child and Family Services, Inc., visit http://www.steinway.org.
NYC Clothing Bank…. Created in 1986 as a mayoral initiative under Mayor Ed Koch and now managed by Peter Young Housing, Industries & Treatment, New York City Clothing Bank is the only program in New York City to distribute new, never-worn clothing and merchandise to those in need. For more information on New York City Clothing Bank, visit http://www.newyorkcityclothingbank.org.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Norman Katz
718 389-5100, ext 116