Jun. 16, 2023 By Carlotta Mohamed
Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi will host a free rain barrel giveaway in Forest Hills on Saturday, July 15.
The city Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be at the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School, located at 91-30 Metropolitan Ave., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to hand out free rain barrels to constituents who have pre-registered. Any leftover barrels will be given to the public on a first-come first-served basis from noon to 1 p.m.
In order to register for the giveaway, participants must live within Addabbo’s district or Hevesi’s district and call either office to have their name, address and phone number added to the list.
Registrants must show a photo ID to confirm their name and address in order to claim their barrel. Distribution will be from 10 a.m. to noon. Any leftover barrels will be given to the public on a first-come first-served basis from noon to 1 p.m.
The 55-gallon plastic rain barrels attach to a rain gutter to collect and store excess water during periods of rainfall. That rainwater can then later be used to complete tasks around the house and outdoors, rather than using fresh water.
“Rain barrels are very useful tools that have a positive impact on residents,” Addabbo said. “With a quick and easy setup, the rain barrels can collect rain water which can then be used for a wide range of tasks such as watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning windows and other chores. Residents with rain barrels attached to their homes not only preserve their drinking water, but they can also save some money on their water bills.”
Hevesi said the rain barrel giveaway event lets neighbors take “a hands-on approach to help preserve resources and create resilient communities, which is particularly encouraging as we combat the effects of climate change.”
Those who would like to register for the event can contact Addabbo’s office at 718-738-1111. Hevesi’s office can be reached at 718-263-5595.
