By Gretchen Berger
Another donation drive for asylum seekers from our southern border has convened on the Upper West Side. State Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal kicked off the drive on Monday, as the number and needs of asylum seekers continue to grow at a fast pace. A note from Rosenthal is included below giving all the details and time span of the drive, as well as the drop-off times at her office at 230 West 72nd Street, between Amsterdam and West End Avenues.
The donations will be going directly to the asylum seekers currently being given temporary shelter (approximately 6-9 months, according to the Department of Homeless Services) at the Skyline Hotel, located at 710 10th Avenue (49-50) in Hell’s Kitchen, part of Rosenthal’s State Assembly District 67, which reaches as far south as Midtown West.
Residing at the Skyline are many families with newborns, toddlers and school-age children in desperate need of supplies and gently used clothing for both adults and children, Rosenthal told the Rag. A number of these school-age children are currently enrolled in nearby public schools – PS 51 on West 44th Street (grades pre-K through 5th), and PS 111 on West 53rd Street (grades pre-K through 6th).
So far, the drop-off is brisk and Rosenthal’s office is starting to pile up with donations. Here’s what she wrote to the Rag:
This week, I paid a visit to a hotel in my district that is currently housing asylum seekers to learn how the residents are faring and about their unmet needs. I spoke to residents and staff and one thing is very clear: there is a never-ending demand for supplies, such as diapers, books and toys, for the many newborns, toddlers and children who now live in our community.
While the City faces a steady stream of challenges and obstacles in addressing this growing humanitarian crisis, everyday New Yorkers are asking how they can be of service and assistance during these trying times.
I will be hosting a donation drive for these families starting on Monday, October 3 until Friday, October 21. (Note: my office will be closed on Oct. 5 in observance of Yom Kippur.) Gently used and new winter coats [and clothes], diapers, baby supplies, toys and books can be dropped off or shipped to my district office at 230 West 72nd Street, Suite 2F, between 10:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. These supplies will be distributed to individuals and families in need on the West Side.
New York City is made up of immigrants, and we must do all we can to support these asylum seekers and welcome them into our city. Please feel free to contact my office with any questions at (212) 873-6368 or via email at rosenthall@nyassembly.gov.
Thank you, Linda B. You are always caring and looking out for people.
Not really. When it comes to crime. Quality of life. The woman is completely MIA
That horse is long dead, Bill; you’re only beating a carcass now.
You’re off you head if you think she doesn’t do much to help neighbors with issues related to getting help with services the city is meant to provide but are totally out-to-lunch over!! Things like applying for SCRIE… During Covid, getting help signing up for vaccines and unemployment when phone service was totally overloaded; and other hopeless issues.. Her office/staff are amazing.
Donations = Soft Taxes. This is NOT immigration reform.
Did anyone say it is?? While we’re waiting and waiting and waiting for real immigration reform, how about some kindness and compassion for those affected.
This is not immigration reform either.
https://www.westsiderag.com/2022/10/07/adams-declares-state-of-emergency-as-new-york-city-struggle-to-handle-17000-migrants
Is there a way to make a cash donation online? Or maybe a recommendation of a few sites raising funds for these folks? At the same time, please post a few links to assist the unhoused New Yorkers here on the UWS.
any word on where to deliver items for the migrants? The third day of dropoff had been cancelled because the volunteers were overwhelmed.
The district office is closed today for the Jewish holiday. It will be open tomorrow, but call before you go to make sure they’re still going to accept donations. Their office number is: 212-873-6368.
Maybe they can ship the “overstock” to South Florida to the taxpayers who LOST EVERYTHING!!!
Or you could help your fellow Americans suffering from the devastation from Ian. Lots of children and babies there, too.
They don’t care.
So much help needed everywhere and the rich get richer.
Good move, Linda B. who I am not a fan. of. Mark Levine , Manhattan Borough President has a similar program but expects donor to go to central Harlem with their donations.. Ican guarantee that program will be a failure.
Kudos to Linda B. for making the process easier.
There should be multiple drop-off points on the UWS. How about a truck on Broadway to accept donations at scheduled times?