Release #450-00

 

Contact:	Michael Anton/ Lynn Rasic (212) 788-2958
	Tom Antenen (DCPI) 212/374-6700
	Sharon Sampson (Rubenstein Associates, Inc.) 212/843-8296
	Bud Perrone (Rubenstein Associates, Inc.) 212/843-8068

MAYOR GIULIANI AND POLICE COMMISSIONER KERIK KICK-OFF
12th ANNUAL NEW YORK CARES COAT DRIVE

Over 600 Drop-off Sites, Including all NYPD Precincts, Opened in Metropolitan Area

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik launched The 12th Annual New York Cares Coat Drive today at the Bowery Mission in Lower Manhattan, joining volunteers to distribute coats to the Mission's residents. The Mayor, Commissioner Kerik, AXA Foundation President Kathleen Carlson and Executive Director of New York Cares Beth Warren, urged all New Yorkers to look into their closets and see what they can spare for the needy this winter.

The Coat Drive, which will run through December 31st, collects used, but wearable, coats throughout the Metropolitan area and distributes them to homeless shelters, community organizations, centers for battered women, people with HIV/AIDS, and people living on the street. Last year, the Drive collected and gave away 85,000 coats to the needy; this year, New York Cares hopes to collect and give away 90,000.

"Since 1989 the New York Cares Coat Drive has done a remarkable job of reaching out to people in need," Mayor Giuliani said. "The people of New York City are proud of this coat drive, which last year alone gave hope and warmth to more than 85,000 New Yorkers in need. This is an affirmation of the spirit of the holidays and the spirit of New York City."

"The NYPD has been a proud sponsor of this program since its inception, and we are very happy to join once again in urging all New Yorkers to contribute what they can to the drive," said Police Commissioner Kerik. "Anyone looking to contribute a coat can stop by their local precinct or PSA at anytime - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - and a police officer will be happy to assist you."

"New York winters can be brutal and thousands of New Yorkers, including many children, do not have a coat to keep them warm," said Beth Warren. "We want everyone to recognize that they can help others immensely this holiday season simply by giving a coat."

• Any New York City Police Department facility in the five boroughs at anytime, day or night.
  
  
• NY Penn Station Amtrak concourse and LIRR level from 7:30 - 9:30AM.
  
  
• Grand Central Terminal weekdays from 7:30 - 9:30AM.
  
  
• The Community Resource Center at 75 Rockefeller Plaza from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
  
  
• Loews Cineplex Entertainment Theatres in New York City and New Jersey.
  
  
• Participating Blockbuster Video Stores in New York and New Jersey.
  
  
• Participating Home Depot stores in New York City, Long Island and Westchester.
  
  
• Participating Con Edison Business Offices in New York City and Westchester.
  
  
• The Warner Brothers Studio Store at 5th Avenue and 57th Street.
  

Sponsors of The 12th Annual New York Cares Coat Drive are The AXA Foundation, United Parcel Service (UPS), the New York Police Department, WNBC-TV, J. Walter Thompson, Blockbuster, Loews Cineplex Entertainment, MovieFone, and the MTA.

The AXA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the AXA Financial, Inc., is a first time sponsor and major contributor to NY Cares. "We at AXA are delighted to put our resources behind this tremendous annual program that reaches so many New Yorkers in need," said Edward D. Miller, President & CEO of AXA Financial. "This is a perfect opportunity to link corporate philanthropy with tangible results for the community."

The ISOTONER Division of Totes, part of the ISOTONER Corporation, plans on donating a pair of brand new gloves or mittens for every coat that is donated.

New York Cares is also partnering with Jersey Cares on the Coat Drive to expand the program into New Jersey.

Founded in 1987, New York Cares mobilizes thousands of volunteers each month to serve on team projects that are coordinated in partnership with schools, social service agencies, and environmental groups. New York Cares volunteers tutor children, feed the hungry, assist people living with HIV/AIDS, revitalize gardens, visit the elderly, and do much more.

For additional information regarding Coat Drive drop-off sites call: (212) 223-CARE or visit www.nycares.com

www.nyc.gov