Where to Turn News 11/21
As another year comes to an end we are still working on the Environmental Impact Study. Once completed we will have access to our Federal grant to move forward with the Hearts and Hands Memorial.
We will meet with Senator Lanza after the holidays to discuss the state funding.
In the meantime we continue to post daily to both the Where to Turn and Put It Above Ground websites which are nearing 250,000 visitors
We will be appearing on The ABC Sunday Morning News Program on January 11 to discuss our programs with Michelle Charlesworth.
Here is where we are at with a few of our major programs
Flags Across Staten Island
We are getting ready for winter and trying to get as many murals completed as possible.
The weather has delayed us but Scott will start Rab’s tomorrow and the Top Tomato site and the indoor mural at ShopRite.
We also received a sponsorship for three additional murals from John Tobacco and weather permitting we will get those done right after Thanksgiving.
Finally we got two calls from sponsors interested in a mural for one of our schools and another at Willowbrook to honor those who suffered there.
Scott also was approached at the Atlas dinner last night by a few more interested sponsors.
So here is the current count
20 completed
Funds on hand for six additional
Potential sponsors for four more.
It looks like we might get thirty down before winter gets here.
We will continue to recruit sponsors over the winter and “WE WILL” complete 50 by Memorial Day.
FLAGS ACROSS STATEN ISLAND COMPLETED MURALS
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=44582
Snow Shoveling for Seniors
We have over 250 volunteers and we have received a few calls from some schools saying they will get more involved.
We will continue to recruit students and will push to surpass the 632 total from last year
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=42
“Changing the Face of Staten Island “ Graffiti Removal Program
We have had 27 youthful offenders referred to us by both Criminal and Family Court
To date they have performed over 800 hours of community service cleaning graffiti
Through this program we have cleaned 272 locations with the 122 and 123 precincts.
We will continue as long as weather permits and then we will coordinate other activities for them to satisfy their sentences
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=41
Re-Gifting for a Good Cause
We are asking schools businesses and community groups to collect gifts that people get and do not want.
We will pick up what is collected and distribute to needy families, injured veterans and children in hospitals
Everything we can’t distribute will be sold at a flea market with profits being used to cover shipping costs.
We are also asking schools to run toy drives to support this effort as well
Click link below to locate drop off locations and additional details
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=56
Gift of Life
We are working with the NY Blood Center and attempting to help with the blood shortage.
We will give community service credit to students who donate or recruit others to donate
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=54
Replacement Grave Markers for Vets
As expected the Veteran’s Administration returned our applications for additional information.
We will be reaching out after Thanksgiving to High School Juniors and Seniors and College students to help research these vets.
Vision for Staten Island
We are currently trying to recruit friends to actively take part in the important project.
Adopt a School
We are setting up a network to have Staten Island Schools adopt schools in Disaster prone areas
By setting up this network in advance we will have direct connections in the event of a disaster.
Schools impacted will contact Staten Island Schools as to what they need.
Staten Island Schools will collect what they can.
Where to Turn will ship the supplies.
We have also opened our website to all schools and organizations who wish to advertise their upcoming events or volunteer needs.
We are also looking for high school volunteers to help us expand our Crisis Relief Network which already includes over 800 links.
For full details on these and other programs go to
http://www.where-to-turn.org/phpBB2/index.php?c=18
Any help you may lend in volunteering or donating would be welcome..
As always your support and feedback is always appreciated
Dennis