Dec. 27, 2023 By Anthony Medina
Council Member Robert Holden delivered 75 coats to former service members who are currently living at a homeless facility in Long Island City to help them keep warm this winter.
The coats were delivered by Holden to the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence on Dec. 21. The coats were donated by veteran service organizations such as the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapters 32 and 126, as well as the public.
“It’s a small gesture to those who bravely served our country, ensuring they stay warm this winter,” Holden said.
The office of Councilman Robert Holden ready to donate coats to Veterans in need. Photo courtesy the office of Councilman Robert Holden
Holden joined forces with NYC Veterans Commissioner James Hendon, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 32 President Lennie Williams, and Chapter 126 President Mike Moreno to drop off the coats.
Holden, as the chair of the City Council’s Committee on Veterans, is an advocate for those who have served in the military. Holden aims to get the help veterans need both locally and nationally.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced last month that it permanently housed 38,847 homeless Veterans through October of 2023, which was higher than its projected goal for the entire year.
Holden also thanked the Institute for Community Living and the city for their partnership in the coat drive.
Council Member Holden shakes the hand of Middle Village resident Daniel Roman, a UA Local 1 plumber, who handed out dozens of sandwiches for the vets while at the Borden Avenue Veterans Shelter. Photo courtesy the office of Councilman Robert Holden
Coats and conversations at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence in Long Island City. Photo courtesy the office of Councilman Robert Holden
New coats and jackets for Veterans this winter. Photo courtesy the office of Councilman Robert Holden