Mount Vernon showed up and showed out for their fellow residents who were displaced by Sunday’s fire on Cottage Avenue. Just days before most will be celebrating what they are thankful for, Mount Vernonites once again showed they are one community, dropping off carloads and boxloads of clothing, shoes, and personal items. Not for photo ops, not because they are running for office and need your vote, but because we are all one community. As a Mount Vernon resident, it gives me pride to report what you rarely read about when it comes to Mount Vernon. Many stepped up and exemplified the very definition of public service, volunteering and offering their time and resources to help those who have been displaced, get back on their feet.
As many know, more than 100 families lost their homes in a devastating fire early Sunday morning. What wasn’t damaged by fire was destroyed by water. And while celebrating all that has been done, I write this to encourage everyone to step up because much more is needed. I started and ended Sunday’s episode of People Before Politics Radio, talking about the fire and those who were displaced, and many listeners asked what they could do to help.
Donations are being accepted at the Dole Center, located at 250 S. 6th Avenue in Mount Vernon, and volunteers are still needed to help sort the items. If you’re unable to drop off items in person, consider Instacart, Uber, or shipping donations directly to the Dole Center.
****UPDATE**** Black Westchester received calls that the following items are also urgently needed:
Women’s Plus Sizes, Men’s Clothes, and Sneakers sizes 10, 11, 12, and 13. Will keep updating the list of needed items as we receive them.
Many of those who have stepped up did not wait for news cameras and were not trying to make headlines, and there are too many to name here, so instead, I celebrate them all collectively here for showing the true spirit of Mount Vernon.
It’s very apropos that this happened before Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is about more than just turkey; Thanksgiving is about both giving thanks and helping others. The holiday’s name itself embodies these two core themes of gratitude and generosity. It is a holiday centered on gratitude, community, and family connection. It involves acts of service, donating to those in need, and sharing with family and friends. As you get with your family this year and count all the things you are thankful for, remember that one of the most powerful ways to express gratitude is by helping others.
Black Westchester thanks those who did not count it robbery to donate, volunteer, and do whatever else they can to support these families as they are rebuilding, and encourages everyone to do whatever they can. As I go to spend time with my family and reflect on my blessings, I wanted to express my appreciation to those who serve as an opportunity to extend their abundance to those in need.
If Sunday’s fire showed us anything, it’s that one single incident can dramatically change any of our lives, highlighting both our vulnerability and resilience. So let’s all step up even more and help our neighbors get back on their feet.
Way to see the community of Mount Vernon come together for the victims of this horrific fire. May they all have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Can u pick up bags of clothes adults and youngster.
I am located in NYC and have several bag of clothing can u pick up
where in NYC?