'Let’s Give Thanks': Yorktown Woman Holds 3rd Annual Food, Coat Drive

For the third year in a row, Yorktown's Paula Miritello is holding her annual 'Let’s Give Thanks, Holiday Food/Coat Drive' Party on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Yorktown Elks Lodge.

Through her non-profit organization My Brother Vinny – which she has set up in honor of her late brother Vincent, who had cerebral palsy and passed away 13 years ago at age 20 –Miritello collects food and winter coats to keep his memory alive. 

"We organize, distribute food, clothing and furniture to US Veterans, outreach groups, shelters and families in need in Westchester County, neighboring vicinities," she said.

She also runs an annual Special Olympics Walk (Vincent Miritello Special Olympics NY Miles for Medals Walk) and helps local animal shelters and rescue groups in the aid and support of animal welfare. 

Miritello said donations – such as food, coats, gently used shoes and pet foods – are accepted at several locations (see the list below) through Nov. 16, when all efforts will culminate with a party at the Elks Club in Yorktown. 

The Yorktown Elks Lodge is located at 590 Waverly Road. People can drop off their items at the location from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Food Drive party will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. There will be vendors, food, drinks, raffles, cupcake decorating, arts and crafts for kids and more.

The locations where you can drop off your donations are:

Yorktown Heights Engine Co #1 Junior Corp
1916 Commerce Street
Yorktown Heights, NY
Every Wednesday from 6 p.m. yo 9:30 p.m.
Contacts - June Herow & Martin McGannon
Collecting - All items; clothing, shoes, coats, food.

Yorktown Elks Lodge #2324
Waverly Street
Yorktown Heights, NY
Every Thursday (Bingo Night) 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Collecting - Food/Coats ONLY.

Gymboree Play & Music of Yorktown
3631Hill Blvd & Route 6
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598
During store hours
Collecting - ALL Items; clothing, shoes, coats, food.
Contact Shawn DeLonge

Hygrade Market
10 Front Street
Croton Falls, NY
During Store Hours 
Collecting - Coats ONLY
Contact Gordon Corrao

Xtreme Clean NY
28 Claremont Avenue
Thornwood, NY
During Store Hours
Collecting - Shoes and coats only

Sole Tan
Front Street
Yorktown Heights, NY