Thanks to Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President, who has provided an opportunity to New York residents to come forward for the assistance of migrants, financially and socially. The initiative was launched in September but has picked up pace since October 17th.
While talking to amNewYork Metro, Levine shared his thoughts, “They often arrive with almost nothing other than what they are wearing and maybe a small of possessions. So, we have been rallying Manhattanites and New Yorkers to help out by contributing what they can – toiletries, items, shoes, clothing, socks, baby care products.”
He further added, “The response has just been so overwhelming. We have been collecting here at our Downtown office, also at our Uptown office. People come in every single day. We have had school groups, we have had neighborhood associations, and just individual New Yorkers contributing selflessly to help out.”
He is personally taking part in sorting and distribution of donations which includes clothing, shoes, supplied for the women, necessities like soap and toothpastes.
Why This Was An Important Step To Take?
The condition of the migrants arriving at the Port Authority was not surprising to anyone. Most of them had to leave their home without any belonging and some were even without proper shoes to guard their feet as they travelled.
Levine saw the situation up close and understood what the migrants must be feeling. He met the women, men, and children coming off the buses and promised all sort of financial support that he could extend to them.
When he made the call for donations, the president was relieved to see an outstanding response. The generosity of those around him and the number of people who believed in him was breath-taking. Hundreds of people came forward donating even little things like toys for the kids. The major focus, however, was on donating of winter clothing keeping in view the changing weather and the arrival of harsh temperature in coming days.
Levine also shared his experience of spending time with the migrants saying, “It is very incredible to spend time with some of the families. Actually, this weekend, I was able to spend time at a job training program, where many of the young adults amongst recent arrivals are training to work in construction and it’s such a will to work and will contribute to the economy. In the meantime, they are really struggling. And we need to help them, and we need the federal government to help New York. We need resources to do this right, to help cover the cost of housing and food.”
Collecting Clothing – The Most Crucial Aim For The Donation Drive
It was most important to gather clothing and other essential goods suitable for the changing weather that could go to the homeless and those in need of shelter. Levine also shared publicly that he wanted everyone to go out of their way to help the heartbroken, shattered migrants who have face a great deal of trauma in leaving their country and belongings behind.
He further explained, “We are also transitioning now as the weather gets colder to ask for Ne wYorkers who can contribute to focus on winter clothing. Many of the migrants are arriving with really no winter appropriate clothing at all. Often that are wearing t-shirts and we want to providing them with a heavier clothing and sweatshirts and even coats if we can. So we are going to continue to ask for help. And based on their response so far, we are really excited to see continued support for New Yorkers.”
Manhattan Clothing Donations Collection Point
You can drop off the donation items at 1 Centre St., 19th floor.
Alternatively, clothings for migrants are also being collected at Harlem at 431 West 125th St., during regular business hours.
