Kiwanis Club illuminates HB

’Tis the season for giving, and the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach extended its generosity toward the community by donating $1,000 to Howard Beach Hope, Inc.

The founder of the nonprofit, Doreen DeCandida, seen above with Kiwanis members Tony Sama, left, Steve Sirgiovanni and Joe DeMarco, will use the donation to bring holiday spirit to Cross Bay Boulevard in the form of holiday lights and music.

Howard Beach Hope first brought the lights back to Cross Bay in 2019, and before that, the boulevard had not seen the holiday lights in more than 10 years.

“Such a warm sentimental feeling seeing Cross Bay illuminated avenue to avenue with beautiful lighting, bringing the warmth and memories of this community from many years ago. Some traditions need financing to remain viable,” the group wrote on Facebook.

— Kristen Guglielmo

Coat drive for homeless vets

The office of Councilman Bob Holden (D-Maspeth) is collecting donations of new men’s winter coats for homeless veterans through Monday, Dec. 18.

All donations can be dropped off at Holden’s district office at 58-38 69 St. in Maspeth every weekday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

All coats will be given to those at the Borden Avenue Veterans Residence in Long Island City and will help keep a veteran warm this winter.

Additional sponsors of and participants in the coat drive are the city’s Department of Veterans’ Services and the Institute for Community Living, which operates the Borden Avenue center.

The facility is a short-term housing option for veterans that works in close coordination with the city’s Department of Homeless Services

Anyone seeking further information on the coat drive or making a donation is asked to contact Alicia Vaichunas either by email at AVaichunas@council.nyc.gov, or by calling her at the councilman’s district office at (718) 366-3900. Q

— Michael Gannon