STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — As winter approaches, the Staten Island Board of Realtors is once again rallying the community to help bring comfort and kindness to Staten Islanders in need through two long-standing seasonal programs — one for children and one for seniors.
The organization’s Keeping Kids Warm coat drive, an extension of the organization’s “Pack-to-School” initiative, is currently collecting new children’s coats for distribution to local students in need. Donations of coats in sizes ranging from children’s five to adult medium are welcome.
“The gift of a new coat provides more than just warmth — it allows a child to face the winter months and attend school with greater comfort and confidence,” said Linda F. Smith, SIBOR’s director of membership and coordinator of the Keeping Kids Warm project.
At the same time, SIBOR’s Adopt-A-Senior program is celebrating its 25th year of spreading holiday joy to residents of local senior care and assisted-living communities.
Each December, SIBOR members and caring Staten Islanders donate more than 800 personalized gifts for seniors who might otherwise spend the holidays without family or loved ones.
As in years past, the gifts — based on individual wish lists — will be hand-delivered by SIBOR volunteers, family members, and friends. Requested items typically include books, games, puzzles, toiletries, and cozy clothing such as sweaters, scarves, socks, pajamas, and jogging outfits.
Participating facilities include: The Esplanade at Staten Island; Silver Lake Specialized Care Center; Verrazano Nursing Home; Carmel Richmond Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center; ArchCare Senior Center; Eger Harbor House; Golden Gate Rehabilitation and Health Care Center; Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home; Staten Island Care Center; Clove Lakes Health Care and Rehabilitation Center, and Mariners Residence.
“Each year, we reconnect with many residents who have received gifts in the past,” said Annmarie Izzo, SIBOR’s event coordinator. “With guidance from local care facilities, we’re able to ensure that each gift reaches someone who will genuinely appreciate it. Since the program’s beginning, thousands of presents have brightened the holidays for individuals across the Island.”
How to help
New coats for the Keeping Kids Warm project may be dropped off weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., through Friday, Dec. 12, at SIBOR headquarters, 1150 South Ave., Suite 303, Staten Island, NY 10314. For more information, contact Linda F. Smith at 718-928-3230 or LSmith@sibor.com.
To participate, email Annmarie Izzo at annmarie@sibor.com or call 718-928-3223 to be matched with a senior and receive their personal wish-list request.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.