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In this issue of the News and Views newsletter, you can read about recent news regarding SCS. Stories in this issue include: the M. Joseph Levin Legacy Society; the Caregiver Gala; a new Elder Justice Program added to the organization’s services for older adults; an inspirational visit from U.S. Representative Nydia Velazquez; and more.
Read the newsletter online at issuu.com.
On Thanksgiving Day, staff, volunteers, and Board Members of SCS prepared, cooked, and served a traditional Thanksgiving meal for more than 175 older adults at the Center for Active Older Adults. The Thanksgiving Day event is just one of many programs throughout the year that SCS offers for adults aged 60 and older.
The Thanksgiving Day meal is an annual tradition at SCS. The in-person event allows older adults who participate in programs at SCS to socialize with their friends and peers, while enjoying a home-cooked meal. In the spirit of the holiday season, volunteers help make this event a success, donating their time and talents to help cook, prepare, and serve the meal. The event was sponsored by Citymeals on Wheels.
On Saturday, November 18, Sunnyside Community Services (SCS), in partnership with DoorDash, Queens Together, NYPD 108th Precinct, and Assemblymember Steven Raga, distributed turkeys to 270 families in Queens.
The turkeys were given to individuals and families in need who participate in other SCS community programs, including older adults from the SCS Center for Active Older Adults, immigrants learning English in ESOL classes, and families involved in SCS programs at Woodside Houses, a public housing development in Woodside, Queens. In total, more than $10,000 worth of turkeys and fresh produce were distributed. In addition to providing funds to purchase turkeys, DoorDash also supplied $1,000 in gift cards.
“The generosity of our partners has helped ensure that more Queens families can gather around the table and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with their families,” said Judy Zangwill, Executive Director of Sunnyside Community Services. “Thanks to DoorDash, Queens Together, the 108th Precinct, United Way, and Assemblymember Raga, we were able to provide hundreds of Queens families with a turkey, easing their financial stress during this holiday season. We’re grateful for the community support that makes events like this possible, and for the chance to spread hope and joy to our neighbors.”
The turkey giveaway is one of many events SCS has planned for the holiday season. On Thanksgiving Day, SCS will hold its annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration, complete with a traditional Thanksgiving meal, for more than 175 older adults. In December, SCS will host two holiday events for families living in migrant shelters in Western Queens.
On November 17, SCS celebrated the 102nd birthday of Jong Soon Lee of Sunnyside, Queens with a party and cake. New York City Council Member Julie Won stopped by to join the celebration.
Ms. Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea, where she graduated from Seoul University as an obstetrician. After retiring, she moved to the U.S. and now lives in Sunnyside.
Ms. Lee is a member of the SCS Center for Active Older Adults. The Older Adult Center holds many events throughout the year including parties, field trips, games, concerts, holiday events, exercise classes, and more. Learn more about the Older Adult Center here.
The Sunnyside Post highlights SCS and other Queens organizations for their article about giving back this holiday season. Read more here.
We offer a variety of opportunities for volunteers age 15 and older. rely on volunteers For more information about volunteering at SCS, including tutoring youth, serving meals in our Center for Active Older Adults, visiting homebound older adults, administrative support, and more. To learn more, visit our Volunteer page or contact us at 718 784-6173 or volunteering@scsny.org.
This year’s Sunnyside Post Mile was held on October 28, 2023. The event included the main race, as well as as well as two children’s dashes: a 50-yard dash for 2–5 year olds, and a 100-yard dash for 6–9 year olds.
The event was organized by the Sunnyside Post / Queens Post / Schneps Media and the Woodside Sunnyside Runners.
Thank you to all of our sponsors:
Premier Sponsor
Alera Group
Platinum Sponsor
Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I.
Silver Sponsors
Aubergine Cafe
Bridge Printing, Inc.
Jin Brothers Wine & Liquor
Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of New York, Inc.
Triad Management
Bronze Sponsors
Broadway Stages
Brookside Market
Welcome Home Real Estate
Supporter
Council Member Julie Won
Photos by John Marino; Instagram: @twocansam4
On November 4, we held our annual Caregiver Gala to celebrate caregivers and their tireless efforts in supporting those they love. The celebration included music, games, and a raffle with fun prizes. To learn more about our programs for caregivers, click here.
Staff and volunteers from Lawyers Alliance for New York provide legal services to many community organizations, including SCS. Read about their work with SCS and other organizations in their latest newsletter here.
QNS highlights the Sunnyside Post Mile, which benefits SCS, as one of the six things to do on Halloween weekend. See the article online at https://qns.com/2023/10/weekender-six-things-do-queens-halloween-weekend/