By Gretchen Berger
P.S. 75, the Emily Dickinson School, (grades K through 5), is holding a donation drive to help about 40 young migrant children get through the New York winter. They arrived just a few weeks ago, and the school is preparing for at least another 10 students in the coming weeks, an alumna told WSR. Most of them have come with few possessions, let alone winter clothes to keep them warm.
P.S. 75, located at 735 West End Ave., between 95th and 96th St., serves the Manhattan Valley and Bloomingdale areas. According to information gleaned from Inside Schools, it is quite diverse — “an oasis” for multi-racial families and families of all income levels. It is also known for its dual language program, in which students become fluent in both English and Spanish (which is probably why the migrant children were placed there.)
An email blast was sent to former P.S. 75 alumni requesting clothing items for children up to age 12 for the following:
Warm shirts and pants
Sweaters and sweatshirts
New only (not used!) socks and underwear
Winter coats and jackets
Gloves, scarves, and hats
Closed-toe shoes and sneakers (no sandals, please)
Boots for cold weather and snow
If you’re in the neighborhood, bags of donations will be accepted at the school guard’s desk. Make sure they are marked for P.S. 75, as there is more than one school in the building. In addition, anything you order online can be shipped directly to the school:
P.S. 75
Guidance Counselor
735 West End Ave
NY, NY 10025(212) 866-5400
The school guidance counselor and PTA president are hoping to create a free “pop-up store” where families can choose and stock up on the things they need.
As a parent of two kids at PS75, this is true to form. A warm, welcoming, and diverse community with extraordinary teachers and a strong and enriching academic experience. A gem in our community. Thanks to all who support!
Good list! PS87 on West 78th St just welcomed 38 families as well. If clothes are sorted and labeled it is very helpful for the volunteers!
PS84 on 91st St doing the same … 23 families with 40 children I believe
Does anyone know why it is being limited to clothes for children? Is it that the school doesn’t have enough room? Because their parents need clothes too! And I have clothes and things to donate but not in children’s sizes.
Saint Francis is excepting donations. Romemu congregation is having a big winter coat drive that also will go to refugees and anyone else. This Sunday, November 20 from 1 to 4.
From what I’ve heard, it’s because schools have a shortage of storage space. However, there are other places to donate adult clothing and supplies. You can check with your local elected officials — council members, assembly members, state senators, Borough President Levine, etc.,, for other donation drive sources and locations. I’m sure all donations are welcome and very critical for new arrivals.
It’s the same for PS 84 on 92nd and CPW. 40 new children so far. They also have the dual language English-Spanish program.
Ps 145 also doing lots of organizing and welcoming. Saint Francis church is a good drop off place for donations.
Hats for the Homeless will droo off a shopping bag of hats and scarfs later today. This is an exampleof why I started HFTH. To support HFTH send an email to hfth.nyc@gmail.com
I talked to a teacher at this school. She told me you can also donate online if you can’t drop something off. Here is the link:
bit.ly/ps75donations