Sid Jacobson JCC Collects Over 28,000 Pounds of Clothing for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island
The JCC’s donation is the largest BBBSLI has received in its 20 years
East Hills, NY, June XX, 2020 – On Sunday, May 31, Sid Jacobson JCC’s Center for Community Engagement partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) to hold a food and clothing drive benefitting the JCC’s Community Needs Bank and BBBSLI. In less than three hours, more than 400 cars came through the JCC donating 28,000 pounds of clothes and 900 pounds of food, making it the single largest donation BBBSLI has ever received in its 20 years as an organization.
“We are verklempt! Thanks to the generosity of our community and our staff volunteers, we filled four trucks with clothing donations in a matter of 2.5 hours,” exclaimed Susan Berman, Director of the Center for Community Engagement, Sid Jacobson JCC. “We cannot say thank you enough for all of the support we are receiving each Sunday during Curb Your Mitzvah to help our neighbors in need. What we are accomplishing is truly unbelievable.”
Sid Jacobson JCC’s Community Needs Bank, a partner of Island Harvest Food Bank, serves the needs of the food insecure in Nassau County. The Bank serves as a collection site and distribution center of non-perishable shelf-stable food, personal care, and household items for small local food pantries in Nassau County. In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Bank re-envisioned its model of service to directly serve the individuals and families faced with food insecurity across Long Island and Queens. To date, the Bank has donated thousands of pounds of food, household items, and personal protective equipment to the most vulnerable right in our backyard.
“BBBSLI is honored and humbled to be able to partner with an organization like SJJCC on this clothing drive,” says Mark Cox, CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of LI. “The turnout from their community speaks volumes on how important it is to give back to others during tragic times like these, we can’t thank you enough for choosing BBBSLI as your charity partner for this collection.”
BBBSLI is stepping up to keep kids connected and supported during this time of social distancing, school closings, and stress related to coronavirus crisis. As part of their commitment to support mentees during this difficult time, BBBSLI has shifted gears and put strong efforts into providing food and basic necessities to the Littles and their families. Their “We Need You Now More Than Ever” campaign, will offer 290 families who are facing food insecurities with assistance.
The next clothing drive will take place Sunday, July 12, 10am-12pm at the SJJCC Annex located at 200 Forest Drive, Suite 11. For more information and a schedule of upcoming donation drives in the month of June, visit sjjcc.org/curbyourmitzvah
To learn more about organizations your donation can benefit or to make a donation today, visit sjjcc.org/essentialworkers.
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About Sid Jacobson JCC
Sid Jacobson JCC (sjjcc.org) in East Hills provides a full range of cutting-edge recreational, health, fitness, educational, cultural arts and social service programs. SJJCC promotes Jewish identity and provides a comprehensive program based on Jewish values, traditions, heritage, and culture, and is committed to enriching the lives of all individuals and families in its community. SJJCC embraces all individuals and families, and values diversity. See community differently, “Like” the JCC on Facebook (facebook.com/sidjacobsonjcc).
Sid Jacobson JCC is a beneficiary agency of the UJA Federation of New York.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters helps children realize their potential and build their futures. We nurture children and strengthen communities. And we couldn’t do any of it without you.
For more information, contact:
Trisha Watro
516.484.1545 ext. 130
Twatro@sjjcc.org
For full press release: SJJCC May 31 Food + Clothing Drive
