New York Cares Annual Coat Drive

The winter season is fasst approaching (in fact, feels like it already has), and again, in addition to those who are homeless and in need on an annual basis, this year we add to that list those who lost everything they had in Hurricane Sandy.  New York Cares' Annual Coat Drive is in full swing and can use your donation of clean gently used and/or new coats.  They have raised their goal this year from 50,000 coats to 200,000.  In New York City there are many drop off points, such as Precincts, Public Libraries, The New York Cares Warehouse, and local venues throughout the city.  For a location near you, visit http://newyorkcares.org/volunteer/holiday_volunteering/coat_drive/donation_locations.php.  This site also provides a link to organizations accepting food and other items.  New York Cares only accepts coats.  In this season of giving, consider giving away a coat to someone in need.
  In addition, note these special events . . .   ■ Paragon Sports Coat Drive
Now through December 8th. Donate a coat at any Paragon Sports store and you'll receive a free pair of gloves.

■ GRACE on Broadway (http://www.graceonbroadway.com/)
See GRACE on Broadway and help a New Yorker stay warm this winter. In this suspenseful dark comedy by Craig Wright (Mistakes Were Made, "Six Feet Under"), a wide-eyed young couple (Hollywood's Paul Rudd and Steppenwolf's Kate Arrington) move to sunny Florida with big plans to open a chain of Gospel-themed motels. When an agitated Rocket-Scientist (Boardwalk Empire's Michael Shannon) and prickly pest-control man (7-time Emmy Winner ED ASNER) enter the picture, the couple's ordered world is thrown into utter chaos. Dexter Bullard (Tracy Letts' Bug) directs. Don't miss this intensely funny and provocative Broadway Premiere! New York Cares offer is available now through December 16th. For each ticket purchased using their code a $10 donation will go back to New York Cares. Click link to purchase tickets and make sure to use code GRNYCARES.

■ New York Pass
New York Pass, the city's leading money-saving attraction card, is doing its part to give back to the greatest city in the world this holiday season! New York Pass is donating $1 to New York Cares for every pass sold now through December 31, 2012. They are also donating an additional $1 for every photo posted on their Facebook Wall that shows someone with their New York Pass at a New York Pass-featured attraction!

■ Wednesday, December 12th
Join the New York Mets, SNY, and New York Cares for the 6th Annual Mets "Warm-up" Holiday Coat Drive at Citi Field. Each fan donating one or more coats will receive a voucher redeemable for a pair of tickets to a select Mets game in April 2013. Coats will be collected at the Hodges entrance of Citi Field from 9:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m. Patrons may use parking Lot G (Entrance 1) on 126th Street.

■ Saturday, December 15th
Join the Holiday Expo at the Bronx Museum of The Arts for a shopping experience featuring over 60 vendors including clothing, jewelry, photography and more. The event takes place from 10:00am to 6:00pm. $10 admission, $5 with a coat donation!

Sandy Recovery: What You Can Do to Help

For those of us whose lives are basically back to normal after Hurricane Sandy, please do not forget that there are many who are still in need.  There is no shortage of ways for people to help their neighbors in need — by donating money, goods and your own manpower. On-line today, News4 provides a number of ways you can help.  Read their article at:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/How-to-Help-Sandy-Victims-177010901.html.