Photo by Jim.henderson via Wikimedia Commons
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A longtime community leader at NYCHA’s Douglass Houses is asking New Yorkers to step up as she prepares for what may be her most difficult Three Kings Day yet.
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Pix 11 News’ Monica Makes It Happen spotlighted tenant association president Carmen Quinones, who has spent decades making sure children in the NYCHA development feel the joy of the Jan. 6 holiday. The tradition has always centered on toys, but this year Quinones says the needs go well beyond that.According to Pix 11, families at the Douglass Houses are facing steep challenges — from keeping up with rent to buying groceries to staying warm. Quinones told the station she expects hundreds of children to attend this year’s event and hopes to distribute not only toys, but food, warm coats, scarves, and other essentials.
“The demand for warm clothing and toys is higher than ever, and we want to make sure every child and family feels cared for during the winter season,” Quinones wrote on the GoFundMe page she recently launched. “While we are grateful for the support of some wonderful sponsors, the needs in our community have outpaced what we can provide on our own.”
Pix 11’s segment also showed the type of grassroots effort Quinones has built. At the housing development’s community center on Columbus Avenue, seven-year-old Evie Wenger and her younger brother joined a small team of volunteers handing out fruits and vegetables from City Harvest. Their enthusiasm, Quinones said, is exactly the spirit she hopes to inspire in others as the holiday approaches.
The Douglass Houses consist of 18 buildings and more than 3,000 residents, making the annual celebration one of the largest community traditions in the development. But Quinones told Pix 11 that this year she is feeling the strain more than ever, noting the number of families in need continues to grow.
Her message, as shared on the broadcast, was simple: donations are urgently needed. To contribute, click here.
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