Pols collect coats in Astoria

Left, Councilman Costa Constantinides, State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas thank their constituents for donating coats to their joint coat drive.

Throughout December, elected official in Astoria have been collecting coats, and last week they donated nearly 100 to families in need.

“Families in need can use our help this holiday season, particularly as the weather changes,” said Councilman Costa Constantinides. “Warm clothing is a necessity for anyone living in the city during the winter. Many in this city lack access to a warm home or a coat to protect themselves from the cold.”

The lightly used winter coats were donated to New York Cares, a city-based nonprofit organization which runs an annual coat drive. They were assisted by Teamsters Local 814 and Globe Storage and Moving, who provided materials for collecting and transporting the coats.

State Senator Michael Gianaris was thankful to his constituents who took the time to drop the coats off at his office and the offices of Constantinides and Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas.

“The holiday season is a great time to give back and it is always important to remember those who may be less fortunate,” he said.