The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) partnered with the NYC Department for the Aging for its 5th Annual Summer Donation Drive, which received more than 400 battery-operated and hand-cranked radios, whistles and batteries from REBNY members.
The items will be distributed to senior citizens through the New Dorp Beach Senior Center Friendship Club on Staten Island, which was devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
The New Dorp Beach Senior Center Friendship Club serves the needs of more than 3,500 seniors, providing various activities and approximately 5,875 meals per week. The donated radios, whistles and batteries will help keep NYC seniors informed and if need be, able to whistle for assistance. The New Dorp Beach Center Friendship Club is funded under a contract with the NYC Department for the Aging as part of the older Americans Act Program administrated by the NYS Office for the Aging.
“The residents of Staten Island, who were greatly affected by Hurricane Sandy, are in need of these important items,” said Linda Whitaker, Assistant Commissioner of the Office for Emergency Services at the NYC Department for the Aging. “We take for granted how vital a radio or whistle can be should an emergency arise. We’re thrilled that with the help of REBNY members so many community members can be prepared for the next storm.”
The drive, kicked off in June at the REBNY Residential Owner/Manager Luncheon, is one of several charitable causes that REBNY organizes yearly in support of the community.
“This year’s donation drive was particularly close to our hearts in light of the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Sandy,” said Steven Spinola, REBNY president. “It is another example of our membership coming together for an important cause: ensuring the safety of local New York residents.”
“We are pleased that our community embraced this drive with overwhelming support to help ensure the future safety of our senior citizens,” said Ruth McCoy, Executive Vice President of Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, LLC and Summer Donation Drive Co-coordinator.
(L-R) Jeanne Oliver-Taylor, REBNY Vice President, Brokerage Services; Linda Whitaker, Assistant Commissioner, Office for Emergency Preparedness, NYC Department for the Aging; and Ruth McCoy, Executive Vice President, Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, LLC and Summer Donation Drive Co-coordinator, pictured with donated items for NYC senior citizens.
