Local shelters need volunteers

To the editor:

I read with interest Bruce Tallerman’s Point of view, “Denial is good,” in the Jan. 8 issue. I must correct the impression this piece gives that our local homeless do not need volunteers’ help.

Our organization, the Northwest Bronx Support Committee for the Homeless, runs two homeless shelters in Riverdale. We also distribute food and clothing weekly to the people who make the subways their temporary home.

We are always in need of volunteers.

If Mr. Tallerman (or anyone else) wishes to join our effort, I can be reached at 718-543-8699.

RUTH BROMBERG
The Northwest Bronx
Support Committee for the Homeless

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To the editor:

When I first read Bruce Tallerman’s piece, I was upset because I rarely turn volunteers down. Sometimes I have more than enough food volunteers, especially during the Manhattan College semesters. I could always use sleepover volunteers.

For the third, fourth and fifth Mondays of every month, I usually have the same volunteers, who spend the night every month. If I have more sleepover volunteers, I am able to give the volunteers who sleep over every month, a night off.

If you would like to help out in this way, please contact me at 718-548-4445 or e-mail jbbiker@verizon.net.

JOHN BENFATTI
Emergency overnight
shelter coordinator,
Riverdale-Yonkers Society for Ethical Culture