YES WE CAN
News kicks off city’s biggest holiday food drive
THE DAILY NEWS launched its 35th annual food drive Tuesday to help needy New Yorkers during the holiday season.
The News is teaming up with City Harvest and the city’s Finest and Bravest to collect a cornucopia of canned goods to feed the hungry.
“City Harvest turns 35 in December, and for each one of those years, the Daily News has stood alongside this organization to fight hunger here in our city,” said Arthur Browne, publisher and editor-in-chief of The News, speaking at Ladder Company 1/Engine Company 7 in Tribeca.
“I’m proud to say that together, we’ve collected more than 13 million pounds of food since 1982.”
City Harvest will distribute the donations of canned goods throughout its network of pantries and soup kitchens to help an estimated 300,000 New Yorkers.
“During the holiday season, City Harvest and the Daily News come together to fight hunger by asking New Yorkers across the city to come together and donate canned and nonperishable food to feed our neighbors in need,” said Lisa Sposato of City Harvest.
Last year’s drive collected more than 1 million pounds of food. The News’ goal is to match — or surpass — that total this year. It is the city’s biggest holiday food drive.
“Whether it’s a call for help at a fire or major medical emergency, FDNY members are always there to lend an extra set of hands and a heaping amount of teamwork,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro.
“With the launch of this food drive today, our members will be helping New Yorkers facing hunger right here in our city,” Nigro added.
The FDNY also has been collecting supplies that are critically needed for victims of recent disasters in in Puerto Rico and Mexico.
Students from Public School 41 in Greenwich Village were honored at the kickoff event for collecting more than any other city school last year.
Fifth grader Henry Daley, 10, said seeing President Trump’s delayed response to Puerto Rico galvanized his own sense of responsibility when it comes to helping people in need.
“It’s important to help out and to collect food,” he said. “Because some people don’t help at all.”
Jack Gachot, 10, said his age is a bit restricting when it comes to setting out on charitable missions, but collecting cans is within his reach.
“I love helping out,” he said. “It’s amazing, so everyone can get a solid meal.
“Someone our age is hungry and doesn’t have a meal? It’s crazy,” he added. From now through January, nonperishable food can be dropped off at all firehouses and precinct stationhouses in the city. Donations can also be made at any of the 13 Goodwill locations or at Apple Bank branches throughout the five boroughs.
For more information, or to schedule a pickup, visit cityharvest.org or call (646) 412-0758.