Share the Holiday Spirit with Neighbors in Need

According to the Food Bank for New York City, more than 1 million New Yorkers rely on pantries and soup kitchens for meals. At least ten pantries serve our neighbors, right here in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. Most accounts show a growing demand for food assistance, while resources that support these outlets are being spread thinner. This year, we’re inviting you take part in a local effort here on Myrtle to gather donated items for our neighbors in need.

On December 4th at our “Holly & Jolly on Myrtle” event, we’re kicking off an avenue-wide drive for donated toys, coats and food. Donate an unwrapped toy, gently used coat, and canned or other non-perishable food item at the MARP tent outside Gray’s Studio Café on 354 Myrtle, and receive a free hot chocolate or cider to warm you up! After the 4th, you can drop off items at any of the Myrtle businesses listed below through December 21st.

Donated items will be given to organizations serving residents right here in our community – our neighbors. This season, we’re working with the Walt Whitman Tenant Association, which distributes food to about 100 local residents and families each week. During the holiday season, the Whitman TA also distributes toys to the children of families who visit the pantry.

If you have the means, please consider donating one or more of these items to help local families. For more information, please contact Meredith Phillips Almeida at Meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

Toy, coat and can drop-off locations (ongoing, December 4th through 21st)

MARP Tent @ Gray’s Studio Café, 354 Myrtle (December 4th ONLY) – Toys, Coats and Cans
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue — Toy drive
Fort Greene SNAP, 324 Myrtle Avenue — Coat drive
Five Spot Soul Food & Supper Club, 459 Myrtle Avenue — Coat and Can drive
Soketah, 563 Myrtle – Can drive
Klevor Liquors, 343 Myrtle — Toy drive

Looking for a place on Myrtle to purchase a toy or children’s gift to donate? Try Home and U (394 Myrtle), Brooklyn Junior(150 Clinton), Green in BKLYN 432 Myrtle), Billo’s Discount (480 Myrtle), Worldwide Discount (341 Myrtle), or Walgreens (379 Myrtle).