Woman Holds Annual Food and Winter Coat Drive in Yorktown

Yorktown resident Paula Miritello, who collects food and winter coats every year in memory of her late brother Vincent, is holding her latest drive this year.

Items will also be donated for Hurricane Sandy relief and local charities that need donations continually will benefit, Miritello said. All donations will be accepted at several locations through Nov. 17 when all efforts will culminate with a party at the Elks Club in Yorktown. 

Yorktown Girl Scouts Troop Leader Christine Giorgio will be assisting with the collection of coats and clothing. In addition to that drive, residents of Mohegan Park Adult Home in Mohegan Lake will receive 150 holiday cards and gifts to be delivered on Dec. 12. 

The collection period of food and coats is through Nov. 17, which is the final drop off day at the Yorktown Elks Club from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a party from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The party will feature food, drinks, raffles, cupcake decorating, arts and crafts for kids and a coat swap.

Food Drop Off Locations:

• Club Fit in Jefferson Valley and Briarcliff Manor, until Nov. 17 during gym operation hours. You will receive a 3-day family pass in exchange for your donation. 

Coat Drop Off Locations:

• Residents, compelled to help, can drop off coats at Club Fit in Jefferson Valley until Nov. 12 during gym operation hours. 

• Hydrade Market, located at 10 Front Street in Croton Falls until Nov. 12. All donors get a free egg sandwich.

All Donations Welcome:

• East Coast Auto Sales & Storage, located at 1401 Front Street in Yorktown until Nov. 15; Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ask for Richard Russo

Coats/Clothing and Shoes Only:

• Xtreme Clean, Storage Equipment Cleaning & More, located at 28 Claremont Avenue in Thornwood, NY 10594, until Nov. 7 Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ask for Steven Fawcett.

The donations will benefit The Food Bank for Westchester, The Westchester Coalition for Homeless & Hungry, Mohegan Park Adult Home, Hudson Valley Animal Rescue, SPCA of Westchester, Pets Alive Elmsford, as well as local area women shelters. 

"During this extremely tough financial time our nation is facing, we are seeing true hardship and struggles at a much closer level than ever before," Miritello said. "I have heard of many friends out of work and I hope that they all realize that support from neighbors and friends is always around the corner."

Miritello said she would appreciate people donating even one can of food if they can and wants people to know they should not be ashed to ask for help if they need it.

"I am thankful for the friendships and support I have to keep my brother's memory alive and give to charities I find worthy," the woman said. "If anyone knew Vinny, they would know that eating was one of his favorite things."

If you can't make the event and would like to help, you can donate a gift card to purchase food – Mail to Paula Miritello, My Brother Vinny, P.O. Box 644, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598. 

To donate to the Food Bank of Westchester, click here.

For more information about My Brother Vinny Let's Give Thanks Holiday Food/Coat Party event, click here. If anyone is staying for lunch on Nov. 17, you're being asked to RSVP by Nov. 14. Email paulam471@aol.com for more details.

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