The Inside Press

Officials Will Participate In The Backpack Program Volunteering With Local Students To Fill Back Packs With Nutritious Food Items For Distribution To Children In Need

Food Bank For Westchester Provides Food For Over 225  Front-Line Hunger Relief Programs

Elmsford, New York – In the midst of the holiday season, and less than two months after Hurricane Sandy hit New York, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Nita Lowey will volunteer at the Food Bank for Westchester in Elmsford, NY on Monday, December 17 at 12:30 PM, working with students from the Ossining High School Life Skills program and other Food Bank volunteers to pack individual backpacks with food items that will be distributed to schools, after school programs, and other day care and community action programs for children in need of nutritious food.

The BackPack Program is designed to help alleviate child hunger by providing hungry and at-risk children with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food at times when other resources are not available, such as during weekends and school vacations. Children receiving BackPacks are likely to share the food with siblings and other family members, so the backpacks are designed to include food items that can be easily shared or can contribute to a family meal.

The Food Bank for Westchester is the backbone of the county’s emergency food distribution network. It solicits, acquires, warehouses and distributes food to over 225 front-line hunger relief programs throughout the county, including food pantries, soup kitchens, adult and day-care centers, shelters and residential programs. The Food Bank delivers 10 to 12 tons of food a day and more than seven million pounds of food a year.

DATE: Monday, December 17, 2012

TIME: 12:30 PM

PLACE: Food Bank for Westchester,  200 Clearbrook Road (entrance in rear of building), Elmsford, NY.

Calling all Animal Lovers and their Furry Friends:
Join Desires Dec. 20 to Support Pets Alive Again!

Desires by Mikolay invites the animal lovers in the community, and their furry friends, to a unique opportunity to do some good this holiday season. On Thursday, December 20^th, 5-8 p.m., Desires by Mikolay will be hosting a Charity Shopping Cocktail Event benefitting Pets Alive Westchester, a local no-kill animal sanctuary.

Tara and Scott Mikolay are truly passionate about philanthropy and, as the owners of three rescue dogs, this cause is especially meaningful. “Our impact must be greater than our entrepreneurship,” Tara says of their charity work. Scott adds, “Each step for Desires by Mikolay is also an opportunity to give back to our world, raise awareness about critical issues, and alleviate suffering. Together with our wonderful community of friends and supporters, we hope to continue doing just that.” And that community has come through to support this important event. Mount Kisco’s Wine Enthusiast and Chappaqua’s Gail Patrick’s Cafe have graciously donated all the wine and food for the evening. Fellow jeweler Alex Woo, known for her sleek and sophisticated pendants, contributed an adorably fitting paw print necklace for raffle in which 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Pets Alive.

In addition, the event has received endorsement, and an RSVP, from singer Rob Thomas and his wife Marisol of the Sidewalk Angels Foundation. They wrote, “It’s the bonds we build within our community that are the seeds we plant to make a better world. Your contribution will help Pets Alive provide year round support for the rescue and care of thousands of defenseless animals. During these cold winter months they need you more than ever.”

Choosing December 20th from 5-8 pm to do holiday shopping at Desires means having a great time while making a huge difference. There will be fabulous cocktails and company (both two- and four-legged), and for each gift purchased, a portion of the proceeds will help dogs and cats in need. Additionally, one can help by spreading the word, bringing and item from the Pets Alive wish list, or by sponsoring a pet.

Desires by Mikolay is located at 55 King Street in Chappaqua, New York. For more information, contact info(at)desiresbymikolay(dot)com and be sure to RSVP on Facebook!

Tomorrow is the last day… Pick up some last-minute gifts at BIG savings and help the Food Bank!

Fight hunger as you shop.
Check-Out Hunger is an annual fund-raising effort to help the Food Bank fight hunger in your community…

Participating Westchester supermarkets:

A&P, Food Emporium, Pathmark
All stores
thru January 31

Balducci’s
Scarsdale store
thru January 31

Fairway Market
Pelham store
thru January 15

Mrs. Green’s
All stores
thru Dec 22

ShopRite
All stores
thru Dec 29