April 2025 Newsletter
 Through our Value A Veteran program, we fulfilled a veterans request for a new vacuum. The Veterans Food Pantry received 60+ boxes from the Bread of Life Food Drive. We are grateful for such a generous donation.  Our Seniors Outreach Sub-Committee is going full speed ahead with planning spring activities for our community’s seniors. Upcoming events: May 5th Comedy @ the Mount Loretto Friendship Club May 9th 60’s and 70’s Karaoke at New Lane Senior Housing May 21st Comedy @ Oakwood Heights Community Church AARP Clubs Coffee and dessert will be served at all events. See flyers below for additional information.  We celebrated the February and March birthdays of four children who participate in the after school program at the Berry Homes. 37 kids attended the party which included Music with Patrick, face painting, temporary tattoos, cake, and of course personalized gifts. Linda met with several of PS19’s Junior Giving Circle students while they were on a trip to the Staten Island Zoo, she surprised them with an ice cream treat at the end of their visit. St Clare’s School made 50 Easter baskets and Moore Catholic High School made 30 baskets which were donated to students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.  Gift cards were shared with 15 of our Pantry Partners. We spoke of the possibility of an upcoming pantry training, updated each other on what is currently going on with each of the pantries and brainstormed ideas of how to share information going forward.  The Weekend Food Backpack Program received a donation of $2500 from Irwin and Linda Steinman. We thank them for their continued generosity and support since this program began.  Cathy Ripo had the winning ticket and selected Urban Hope to receive the $280 from this month’s meeting.  We received a $300 donation for the Weekend Food Backpack Program. a $500 donation designated for the Veterans Food Pantry and $500 from Northfield Bank. We are transitioning from PayPal to GiveSmart. If you currently donate or have a recurring donation please contact us for the new link.  Our newest initiative, Pop Up School Pantries, is being supported by Richmond County Savings Foundation. We received a grant earlier this month that will help us to provide groceries to students who are food insecure. This program will provide schools with food donations to establish pop-up food closets or cabinets, offering students in need access to essential provisions. By partnering with schools, we work to create a discreet and supportive environment where students can access food in times of need.   Earlier this month we hosted a Dine Out at Jimmy Max and raised $520. Thanks to all who supported us that day. Save the Date for a BINGO fundraiser on June 22nd. Set For Life Raffle tickets are on sale now. Please see flyer and link to purchase your tickets below.    |
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| Purchase your CHANCE to WIN (50) $10 Set For Life scratch off tickets. Winner announced at our June 19th meeting. These raffle tickets will be great gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduation and birthdays. Contact Michele for more info. MicheleSIGC@gmail.com igfn.us/form/t1AK3g |
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 If you have any questions or would like additional information about the Staten Island Giving Circle please contact Michele at MicheleSIGC@gmail.com |