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Letter to the Editor: Sunnyside Community Services Gives Thanks

Community members Ira and Ellen Greenberg dropping off donations for the pantry (Photo: SCS)

Feb. 1, 2021 By Judy Zangwill, Executive Director, Sunnyside Community Services

It has been almost a year since the pandemic first hit, changing our City in innumerable ways. Through it all, the one thing that has remained constant has been the community’s support.

As the demand for our services increased, Sunnyside Community Services faced budget cuts from the city and state. In spite of this, we added food relief, cash assistance, and virtual offerings to our already comprehensive program list.

When rigid contracts would not allow us to re-allocate funding where it was needed, we turned to the community for help and hundreds of you responded. It is because of your generosity that we were able to help thousands of New Yorkers.

Some of you contributed multiple times during the pandemic, while others sent increased gifts. Best of all, we saw more than 200 first-time year-end donors place their trust in Sunnyside Community Services.

Thank you all. I also want to thank those of you who donated to our food pantry. I love that some of you created mini food drives among your friends and family. Thank you so much.

I have been touched by the many foundations, local organizations and businesses that offered help. They provided funding, donated groceries, meals, bags, coats and PPE. They also strategized with us to address the increased demands we are all facing.

I am also grateful for the elected officials who lent support and secured much-needed PPE and food donations. And I’m appreciative for the local reporters who highlighted the critical issues facing New Yorkers. Thank you for continuing to advocate for our community.

Most of all, I want to thank those of you who participated in our programs and remained with us as we navigated through this challenging time. And a special thanks to those who found a way to pay it forward by contributing or volunteering. That is the best gift of all.

On behalf of the 16,000 lives who are shaped by Sunnyside Community Services, thank you for your support. We hope we can continue to count on you.

Stay safe,

Judy Zangwill

Executive Director, Sunnyside Community Services

Volunteers, staff and board president Amit Kalra and daughter packing bags for seniors (Photo: SCS)

 

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