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Lending a Hand, in New York and Beyond Lending a Hand, in New York and Beyond
(about 7 hours later)
On a brisk Saturday morning this month, William Lugo gathered dozens of volunteers around him at a playground at a public housing complex in Queens. The farmers’ market was about to open, and it was time for a pep talk.On a brisk Saturday morning this month, William Lugo gathered dozens of volunteers around him at a playground at a public housing complex in Queens. The farmers’ market was about to open, and it was time for a pep talk.
“Bend with the knees and not the back,” Mr. Lugo told members of his team, who were surrounded by tables stacked with spaghetti squash, sweet potatoes and orange peppers.“Bend with the knees and not the back,” Mr. Lugo told members of his team, who were surrounded by tables stacked with spaghetti squash, sweet potatoes and orange peppers.
That a line had formed around the block by the time Mr. Lugo opened the gates was of little surprise: All of the food is free to residents of the complex, Astoria Houses, and the surrounding ZIP code.That a line had formed around the block by the time Mr. Lugo opened the gates was of little surprise: All of the food is free to residents of the complex, Astoria Houses, and the surrounding ZIP code.
“Our purpose is to stand in the gap for families who are struggling with budgets and are on fixed income,” Mr. Lugo said. In addition to offering access to fresh produce, he said, “we make sure that these families know what to do with the food we bring them.”“Our purpose is to stand in the gap for families who are struggling with budgets and are on fixed income,” Mr. Lugo said. In addition to offering access to fresh produce, he said, “we make sure that these families know what to do with the food we bring them.”
The market, which comes to Astoria Houses twice a month, is operated by City Harvest, a nonprofit based in New York City and one of six organizations that received grants this year from The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund.The market, which comes to Astoria Houses twice a month, is operated by City Harvest, a nonprofit based in New York City and one of six organizations that received grants this year from The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund.
The Fund is beginning its 108th annual campaign with a new beneficiary agency, Feeding America, which works with 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries, City Harvest among them, to address hunger in the United States. For three years, Feeding America has received grants from The Fund’s endowment, which supports programs beyond the campaign’s beneficiary agencies.The Fund is beginning its 108th annual campaign with a new beneficiary agency, Feeding America, which works with 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries, City Harvest among them, to address hunger in the United States. For three years, Feeding America has received grants from The Fund’s endowment, which supports programs beyond the campaign’s beneficiary agencies.
Grants from the endowment this year also went to the Food Bank for New York City, which is also part of Feeding America’s network; Citymeals on Wheels; Literacy Partners; and the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.Grants from the endowment this year also went to the Food Bank for New York City, which is also part of Feeding America’s network; Citymeals on Wheels; Literacy Partners; and the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
The Times’s articles on the annual campaign, which are available outside a paywall, illustrate how even a modest amount can make a difference in people’s lives. The 2018-19 campaign raised $5,646,873.61 for eight organizations. The current effort will conclude in January.The Times’s articles on the annual campaign, which are available outside a paywall, illustrate how even a modest amount can make a difference in people’s lives. The 2018-19 campaign raised $5,646,873.61 for eight organizations. The current effort will conclude in January.
“Every year, we are overwhelmed by our readers’ generosity to the campaign,” said Eileen Murphy, president of The Neediest Cases Fund. “Adding Feeding America to the roster of agencies that we support allows us to expand our reach around the country, and we’re pleased to welcome them.”“Every year, we are overwhelmed by our readers’ generosity to the campaign,” said Eileen Murphy, president of The Neediest Cases Fund. “Adding Feeding America to the roster of agencies that we support allows us to expand our reach around the country, and we’re pleased to welcome them.”
All donations to this campaign will go directly to seven beneficiary organizations:All donations to this campaign will go directly to seven beneficiary organizations:
Brooklyn Community ServicesBrooklyn Community Services
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New YorkCatholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York
Children’s AidChildren’s Aid
Community Service Society of New YorkCommunity Service Society of New York
Feeding AmericaFeeding America
International Rescue CommitteeInternational Rescue Committee
UJA-Federation of New YorkUJA-Federation of New York
The organizations spend the money at their discretion, often to cover gaps in public assistance. Every dollar donated goes to help those facing difficulty; The New York Times Company covers the administrative costs of The Fund. Unrestricted contributions of $100,000 or more from trusts and estates are invested in The Fund’s endowment. Online donations can be made through GoFundMe.The organizations spend the money at their discretion, often to cover gaps in public assistance. Every dollar donated goes to help those facing difficulty; The New York Times Company covers the administrative costs of The Fund. Unrestricted contributions of $100,000 or more from trusts and estates are invested in The Fund’s endowment. Online donations can be made through GoFundMe.
Today, the campaign is highlighting the impact of some of our grants.Today, the campaign is highlighting the impact of some of our grants.
The Astoria Mobile Market was established in 2012 to serve a community where mobility and income challenges make it difficult for residents to get fresh fruit and vegetables, Mr. Lugo said. He manages three of the nine markets that City Harvest operates in all of New York City’s five boroughs with the help of corporate and community volunteers. The Astoria Mobile Market was established in 2012 to serve a community where mobility and income challenges make it difficult for residents to get fresh fruit and vegetables, Mr. Lugo said. He manages three of the nine markets that City Harvest operates in all of New York City’s five boroughs with the help of corporate and community volunteers.
“These people are not paid, but they do it with such dedication and such pride,” Mr. Lugo, 45, said.“These people are not paid, but they do it with such dedication and such pride,” Mr. Lugo, 45, said.
Volunteers at the Astoria market, which receives 36,000 pounds of food monthly, distribute portions based on family size. City Harvest also sets up a cooking demonstration as part of its nutrition education efforts to support people with conditions like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.Volunteers at the Astoria market, which receives 36,000 pounds of food monthly, distribute portions based on family size. City Harvest also sets up a cooking demonstration as part of its nutrition education efforts to support people with conditions like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.
On Oct. 5, when more than 400 families were served, Geraldine Fermin, a City Harvest program manager, prepared samples of stewed curry cabbage. Ms. Fermin, 34, says that she chooses dishes that are low in salt and sugar, and that she distributes copies of each recipe, printed in English and Spanish.On Oct. 5, when more than 400 families were served, Geraldine Fermin, a City Harvest program manager, prepared samples of stewed curry cabbage. Ms. Fermin, 34, says that she chooses dishes that are low in salt and sugar, and that she distributes copies of each recipe, printed in English and Spanish.
“We don’t only distribute food,” she said, “but we also show people and teach people how to cook the food they’re getting.”“We don’t only distribute food,” she said, “but we also show people and teach people how to cook the food they’re getting.”
The cooking demonstrations help build trust and inspire creativity, Ms. Fermin said.The cooking demonstrations help build trust and inspire creativity, Ms. Fermin said.
They’ve made a difference for Pauline McCaulla, 55, who has been volunteering at the market for seven years.They’ve made a difference for Pauline McCaulla, 55, who has been volunteering at the market for seven years.
Ms. McCaulla shares an apartment in the Astoria Houses complex with two daughters and two granddaughters. After she had two hip operations in 2010, she said, the market helped her improve her diet and change how she approached food. “And it helped me cook better,” she said.Ms. McCaulla shares an apartment in the Astoria Houses complex with two daughters and two granddaughters. After she had two hip operations in 2010, she said, the market helped her improve her diet and change how she approached food. “And it helped me cook better,” she said.
She is among those who greet participants with smiles and hugs to make them feel at ease.She is among those who greet participants with smiles and hugs to make them feel at ease.
“Every day is like having a new family,” Mr. Lugo said. “I have a new family to accomplish this mission.”“Every day is like having a new family,” Mr. Lugo said. “I have a new family to accomplish this mission.”
Iovanna Campanella never thought she would end up in the United States, let alone take English classes here.Iovanna Campanella never thought she would end up in the United States, let alone take English classes here.
She used to work as a physical therapist at a hospital in Venezuela. When the leadership there changed and aligned itself with the government, some of her co-workers and patients started threatening her for supporting the opposition party. That went on for years, Ms. Campanella said, until she felt so unsafe that she quit.She used to work as a physical therapist at a hospital in Venezuela. When the leadership there changed and aligned itself with the government, some of her co-workers and patients started threatening her for supporting the opposition party. That went on for years, Ms. Campanella said, until she felt so unsafe that she quit.
When the economic crisis in Venezuela worsened in 2015, she and her husband worried about raising their daughter, Aroa, there. He immigrated to the United States later that year, settling in Elmhurst, Queens. Ms. Campanella and Aroa followed soon after.When the economic crisis in Venezuela worsened in 2015, she and her husband worried about raising their daughter, Aroa, there. He immigrated to the United States later that year, settling in Elmhurst, Queens. Ms. Campanella and Aroa followed soon after.
In 2017, Ms. Campanella enrolled Aroa in a prekindergarten program at the Malcolm X Day Care Center in nearby Corona. Literacy Partners, a nonprofit organization that helps immigrant and low-income parents expand their language skills, was offering free English classes there. The organization’s Books of Their Own Program received a grant from The Neediest Cases Fund endowment.In 2017, Ms. Campanella enrolled Aroa in a prekindergarten program at the Malcolm X Day Care Center in nearby Corona. Literacy Partners, a nonprofit organization that helps immigrant and low-income parents expand their language skills, was offering free English classes there. The organization’s Books of Their Own Program received a grant from The Neediest Cases Fund endowment.
A month later, she dived into her first lesson. Two or three times a week, she would drop off Aroa at day care and head to class. She was surrounded by fluent English speakers and soon, she said, her daughter would be among them. “I wanted to adapt to that reality,” Ms. Campanella said, speaking through an interpreter. After another daughter, Selma, was born last year, Literacy Partners allowed Ms. Campanella to bring Selma to the classes.A month later, she dived into her first lesson. Two or three times a week, she would drop off Aroa at day care and head to class. She was surrounded by fluent English speakers and soon, she said, her daughter would be among them. “I wanted to adapt to that reality,” Ms. Campanella said, speaking through an interpreter. After another daughter, Selma, was born last year, Literacy Partners allowed Ms. Campanella to bring Selma to the classes.
In late 2017, Ms. Campanella found a part-time job as an assistant at an agency that provides translation and notary services. The classes came in handy: She needed to speak English with her colleagues. “I’m not shy anymore,” she said, adding that the classes had helped her communicate with Aroa’s teachers.In late 2017, Ms. Campanella found a part-time job as an assistant at an agency that provides translation and notary services. The classes came in handy: She needed to speak English with her colleagues. “I’m not shy anymore,” she said, adding that the classes had helped her communicate with Aroa’s teachers.
“I used to think, I’m never going to speak English,” she said. “Look at me now.”“I used to think, I’m never going to speak English,” she said. “Look at me now.”
Visitors to Dorothy Driscoll’s apartment in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan are greeted by an arrangement of framed photographs.Visitors to Dorothy Driscoll’s apartment in the Kips Bay neighborhood of Manhattan are greeted by an arrangement of framed photographs.
There are images of feluccas sailing on the Nile River in Egypt, ancient ruins in Greece and an older woman and two children standing by a doorway in China. All of these photographs were taken by Ms. Driscoll, 80, who traveled the world when she was not working as a nurse.There are images of feluccas sailing on the Nile River in Egypt, ancient ruins in Greece and an older woman and two children standing by a doorway in China. All of these photographs were taken by Ms. Driscoll, 80, who traveled the world when she was not working as a nurse.
She also collected hats on her trips — baseball caps, fedoras and straw hats hang from a mirror in her hallway — and made a habit of catching performances by her favorite artists. Ms. Driscoll said she saw Tina Turner in Spain, Frank Sinatra in Egypt and Michael Jackson in Taiwan.She also collected hats on her trips — baseball caps, fedoras and straw hats hang from a mirror in her hallway — and made a habit of catching performances by her favorite artists. Ms. Driscoll said she saw Tina Turner in Spain, Frank Sinatra in Egypt and Michael Jackson in Taiwan.
She stopped traveling in 2011 when she developed macular degeneration and her vision began to fade. At 72, she retired as an emergency room nurse at Beth Israel Medical Center.She stopped traveling in 2011 when she developed macular degeneration and her vision began to fade. At 72, she retired as an emergency room nurse at Beth Israel Medical Center.
Working “just became dangerous,” Ms. Driscoll said. “If you can’t see very well and you’re a nurse, you’re in real trouble.”Working “just became dangerous,” Ms. Driscoll said. “If you can’t see very well and you’re a nurse, you’re in real trouble.”
Ms. Driscoll, who had helped others for a living, was initially reluctant to sign up for assistance programs. But in 2014, a social worker told her about Citymeals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization that delivers hot meals to older adults in New York City. She receives six meals a week through the program, which received a grant from The Neediest Cases Fund endowment.Ms. Driscoll, who had helped others for a living, was initially reluctant to sign up for assistance programs. But in 2014, a social worker told her about Citymeals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization that delivers hot meals to older adults in New York City. She receives six meals a week through the program, which received a grant from The Neediest Cases Fund endowment.
“It’s only been in the past two years that I realized I had to get help,” Ms. Driscoll said, “and it was important for me to get help in order to be safe.”“It’s only been in the past two years that I realized I had to get help,” Ms. Driscoll said, “and it was important for me to get help in order to be safe.”
Ms. Driscoll is especially thankful for Charles Harris, a Citymeals on Wheels worker whom she credits with saving her life. One day in September 2018, he got no answer at Ms. Driscoll’s door. He alerted the building’s superintendent, and they found her lying unconscious.Ms. Driscoll is especially thankful for Charles Harris, a Citymeals on Wheels worker whom she credits with saving her life. One day in September 2018, he got no answer at Ms. Driscoll’s door. He alerted the building’s superintendent, and they found her lying unconscious.
She remains grateful for Mr. Harris’s help. “If he hadn’t done that, I probably would have died,” Ms. Driscoll said.She remains grateful for Mr. Harris’s help. “If he hadn’t done that, I probably would have died,” Ms. Driscoll said.
In the aftermath, she was in and out of hospitals, physical therapy and rehabilitation for eight months. Ms. Driscoll lost weight and used a wheelchair until April. Now she uses a walker and, with help from Citymeals on Wheels, maintains a balanced diet.In the aftermath, she was in and out of hospitals, physical therapy and rehabilitation for eight months. Ms. Driscoll lost weight and used a wheelchair until April. Now she uses a walker and, with help from Citymeals on Wheels, maintains a balanced diet.
She is able to venture outside more. Sometimes, when she is at a Dunkin’ store near her home, people recognize her and thank her for being their nurse.She is able to venture outside more. Sometimes, when she is at a Dunkin’ store near her home, people recognize her and thank her for being their nurse.
“I made my mark,” she said.“I made my mark,” she said.
Isaac James Hill is not a fan of hospitals.Isaac James Hill is not a fan of hospitals.
“I try to avoid them as much as possible,” Mr. Hill, 40, a health home aide, said from his home in Madison, Wis.“I try to avoid them as much as possible,” Mr. Hill, 40, a health home aide, said from his home in Madison, Wis.
But after a week of discomfort last year, Mr. Hill had to put his aversion to hospitals aside. He had been feeling nauseated and fatigued. His mouth was as sticky as clay, he said, and he was urinating frequently.But after a week of discomfort last year, Mr. Hill had to put his aversion to hospitals aside. He had been feeling nauseated and fatigued. His mouth was as sticky as clay, he said, and he was urinating frequently.
When he mustered the courage to go to a hospital, he was told that his blood-sugar level was 1,200 milligrams per deciliter. (A reading over 600 can be life-threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic.)When he mustered the courage to go to a hospital, he was told that his blood-sugar level was 1,200 milligrams per deciliter. (A reading over 600 can be life-threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic.)
The doctors were amazed. They could not figure out how Mr. Hill was still alive, let alone how he had managed to drive himself to the hospital and hold a conversation. They told him he had Type 2 diabetes.The doctors were amazed. They could not figure out how Mr. Hill was still alive, let alone how he had managed to drive himself to the hospital and hold a conversation. They told him he had Type 2 diabetes.
Mr. Hill said he believed he had been given a second chance. “I felt blessed,” he said. “I felt like it was definitely a higher power that allowed me to still be here.”Mr. Hill said he believed he had been given a second chance. “I felt blessed,” he said. “I felt like it was definitely a higher power that allowed me to still be here.”
Unable to afford the medication and home-testing kits, Mr. Hill sought help from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a charitable organization in Madison that offers a range of services to the city’s poor. The organization provided Mr. Hill with free medication and insulin.Unable to afford the medication and home-testing kits, Mr. Hill sought help from the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a charitable organization in Madison that offers a range of services to the city’s poor. The organization provided Mr. Hill with free medication and insulin.
This year, an employee directed Mr. Hill to the Diabetes Wellness Program at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, a member of Feeding America’s network. The program, which has benefited from The Neediest Cases Fund endowment, offers free nutritional education and healthy food to diabetics with food insecurity to help them manage the disease.This year, an employee directed Mr. Hill to the Diabetes Wellness Program at Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, a member of Feeding America’s network. The program, which has benefited from The Neediest Cases Fund endowment, offers free nutritional education and healthy food to diabetics with food insecurity to help them manage the disease.
“Being in this program actually helped me make better decisions,” Mr. Hill said.“Being in this program actually helped me make better decisions,” Mr. Hill said.
Before he learned he had diabetes, he frequently ate takeout and fast food, and he did not exercise much. Now he prepares more meals at home.Before he learned he had diabetes, he frequently ate takeout and fast food, and he did not exercise much. Now he prepares more meals at home.
He has also been exercising and trying to stay active on the job: He often gets on the treadmill or swims with his patients. “You can work and be healthy at the same time,” he said.He has also been exercising and trying to stay active on the job: He often gets on the treadmill or swims with his patients. “You can work and be healthy at the same time,” he said.
Sharkkarah Harrison, a 32-year-old single mother with an easy smile, reunited with her children in 2015.Sharkkarah Harrison, a 32-year-old single mother with an easy smile, reunited with her children in 2015.
Her son and daughter had been in foster care for about four years while Ms. Harrison was living in shelters. By the time they came home, they were showing signs of troubling behavior — intense temper tantrums, leaving her side in public places — that took Ms. Harrison by surprise.Her son and daughter had been in foster care for about four years while Ms. Harrison was living in shelters. By the time they came home, they were showing signs of troubling behavior — intense temper tantrums, leaving her side in public places — that took Ms. Harrison by surprise.
A friend recommended the Trauma Recovery Program at the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, a child welfare organization. The program, which received a grant from The Neediest Cases Fund endowment, supports children and young adults from low-income families who have experienced interfamilial trauma or who have lived in neighborhoods where violence is common. The goal is to help them recognize trauma triggers and cope with their emotions.A friend recommended the Trauma Recovery Program at the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, a child welfare organization. The program, which received a grant from The Neediest Cases Fund endowment, supports children and young adults from low-income families who have experienced interfamilial trauma or who have lived in neighborhoods where violence is common. The goal is to help them recognize trauma triggers and cope with their emotions.
In 2018, Ms. Harrison enrolled her children in the program. The experience has been eye-opening. Ms. Harrison learned that when children act out or misbehave, they are often doing so in response to emotional triggers. “Seeing a bathroom, taking a bath, walking past a park,” she said. “Anything is a trigger.”In 2018, Ms. Harrison enrolled her children in the program. The experience has been eye-opening. Ms. Harrison learned that when children act out or misbehave, they are often doing so in response to emotional triggers. “Seeing a bathroom, taking a bath, walking past a park,” she said. “Anything is a trigger.”
Her daughter, now 10, and son, 11, do a range of activities with their therapists. (She loves to sing and dance; he likes to play board games.) Paola Amaya, one of the program’s trauma therapists, said it was essential to build trust with the children and make them feel comfortable before diving into sensitive issues. Having fun eases that process.Her daughter, now 10, and son, 11, do a range of activities with their therapists. (She loves to sing and dance; he likes to play board games.) Paola Amaya, one of the program’s trauma therapists, said it was essential to build trust with the children and make them feel comfortable before diving into sensitive issues. Having fun eases that process.
Unlike previous therapists, the program’s staff members have been able to make a connection with her children, Ms. Harrison said, because they have gotten to know them. “It was just horrible experiences prior to coming here,” she said. Now the children are more communicative, opening up on their own.Unlike previous therapists, the program’s staff members have been able to make a connection with her children, Ms. Harrison said, because they have gotten to know them. “It was just horrible experiences prior to coming here,” she said. Now the children are more communicative, opening up on their own.
“It’s helping,” Ms. Harrison said.“It’s helping,” Ms. Harrison said.
Ms. Harrison said she wanted her children to enjoy their youth. She hopes that one day they will be able to openly discuss what they have been through without letting it define them.Ms. Harrison said she wanted her children to enjoy their youth. She hopes that one day they will be able to openly discuss what they have been through without letting it define them.
Donations to The Neediest Cases Fund may be made online, with a check or over the phone.Donations to The Neediest Cases Fund may be made online, with a check or over the phone.