Stavisky Urges Coat, Food Donations This Year

, D-Whitestone, is urging residents of her district to make donations to local food banks, homeless shelters and charity drives this year.

While shelters and food banks need donations throughout the year, the colder winter months are the times most homeless New Yorkers reach out for a helping hand, and many organizations are swamped with demand.

"Homelessness is a serious problem in New York, and during the frigid winter months it is more important than ever to remember those in need," Stavksiky said. "A simple donation of gently used clothing can make all the difference."

For many New Yorkers, homelessness has become an awful consequence of the long-troubled economy. In October, more than 38,000 people made use of New York's shelters.

Shelters this time of year need quite a few things, but the most commonly requested are canned goods, coats, towels, pillows, blankets, gently used clothing and toiletries.

Ultimately, Stavisky said, the most important thing to do is find a place in your area to donate early in the season, even if you're a little more cash-strapped than normal this year.

"Families that are struggling or who do not have the ability to donate financially as they have in the past will find that donating clothing and other goods around the house is an easy and very meaningful way to help our community," Stavisky said.

To find nearby homeless shelters, visit www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/newyork.html.