Veterans’ food drive underway

The New York City Council is hosting a food drive for veterans. The effort, which began on Veterans Day, runs until Thursday, Nov. 20.

Northwest Bronxites can drop off goods at Councilman Andrew Cohen’s office, located at 227 W. 231st St. His hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday.

Suggested food items to donate include canned stews, chili and soups, tuna and canned meat, peanut butter, pasta, peanut butter, low-sugar cereals, oatmeal, 100-percent fruit juices in single-serving boxes, canned fruit packed in juice and canned vegetables.

The Food Bank for New York City, one of the city’s main hunger-relief organizations, will distribute items gathered by Mr. Cohen and other council members.

“Veterans are brave men and women that have sacrificed for our country. As a community, we should use this holiday season to demonstrate how thankful we are for their service by helping the Food Bank for NYC remain well stocked,” Mr. Cohen said in a statement.

According to a recent report from the Food Bank for New York City, 40 percent of veterans and their families in the city rely on food pantries and soup kitchens. Mr. Cohen’s office said in a statement, “This is a daunting issue that our city’s 200,000 veterans face every day and one that we as a community have the power to change.”

MMCC joins global movement 

Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (MMCC) has joined an international movement to provide an alternative to the spending sprees that often come in the period after Thanksgiving.

MMCC is joining thousands of organizations around the country in #GivingTuesday, a day dedicated to helping others.

Coming right after the shopping fests “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday,” Giving Tuesday, slated for Dec. 2, aims at encouraging people to think of helping others in the holiday season. MMCC hopes to raise $10,000, with donations accepted at www.mmccgiving.mydagite.com. 

“Being part of the #GivingTuesday initiative gives MMCC the opportunity to reach out to the community and talk about more than just giving dollars,” said the non-profit’s Development Director Laurie Bandremer. “We believe it is important to give our Bronx community the ability to view MMCC through the eyes of participants by volunteering or contributing to our holiday toy and food drives.” 

To learn more about Giving Tuesday, visit www.givingtuesday.org or just use the #GivingTuesday hashtag on Twitter and other sites.

 MMCC has provided programs and services to residents of the Bronx for over 70 years. Its mission is to build on individuals’ strengths to enhance the lives of Bronxites — especially those who are most vulnerable — through a variety of programs.