Historic toy drive proves Riverdale is the Bronx 

To the editor:

Growing up in Riverdale, I connected with youth from the Grand Concourse. When I mentioned Riverdale, they gave me some attitude.

“Oh, Riverdale,” they’d sneer. “That’s not part of the Bronx.” 

Back in those days, I kind of shriveled up. Today, however, I’d be quick to point out many folks from the Concourse and beyond have moved to Riverdale. In fact, the Bronx YM-YWHA, which used to be on the Grand Concourse, is one of the major institutions in Riverdale, not to mention the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, formerly of University Heights.

I’d also mention that many of the social services and businesses throughout the borough are run and staffed by Riverdaleans.

According to available data, a significant portion of people living in the Riverdale neighborhood of the Bronx likely work in other neighborhoods within the borough, with estimates ranging between 30-50%, depending on occupation and commute patterns.

With prominent leaders coming from our neighborhood, such as Gail Schorsch of Bronx Eats and the Fordham Farmers Market and Christina Hanson of Part of the Solution, just to name a few.

This shared sense of Bronx community is being brought forward these days by the many acts of kindness that our neighbors are directing to others throughout the borough. Look at the outpouring of support when the fire occurred on Jan. 9, 2022, at the Twin Parks North West building on Webster Avenue. Or the efforts to connect to borough-wide needs during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

These past few weeks, a sense of shared community has been elevated to a remarkable level.

Congratulations to Laura Levine-Pinedo and her team at the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corp. (KRVC) who collected and wrapped over 500 holiday presents from stores throughout the neighborhood to be distributed to shelters across the Bronx.

This whole neighborhood effort is a model for what can happen when we lead with heart and work together towards a goal.

Richard Feldman