New York Cares, and So Does Einstein
This winter marked the first time Einstein has teamed up with New York Cares to collect coats. The annual coat drive run by the organization over the past 27 years has collected and distributed 1.7 million winter coats.
Elizabeth Wilcockson, Anna Gartner, Christopher Guerrero, Tamara Sulzbach, Teresa Wisnoski, Lani Allen and Natasia Forbes show off some of the coats collected thanks to the generosity of the Einstein community
The Einstein initiative stemmed from a suggestion made by Tina Crane, administrator of Einstein’s occupational health services. Inspired by the College of Medicine’s motto “science at the heart of medicine,” Ms. Crane shared her idea with Robert Cancellieri, director of employee relations, who then contacted NY Cares to register Einstein as a coat collection location.
After Thanksgiving, red collection bins were distributed to the lobbies of Belfer, Forchheimer, the Price Center/Block Pavilion and the Falk Center. Those members of the Einstein community entering Belfer may recall Sadie Young, the building’s security guard, encouraging their giving spirit.
“All I did was bring the coat drive to people’s attention, reminding them, ‘If you have a coat just hanging in the closet, give it to someone who needs it,’” said Ms. Young. “It’s a blessing to help others.”
It worked. The bin in Belfer led all buildings with 37 coats donated. The Price/Block bin collected 31 coats, while Forchheimer’s amassed 23 and the Falk Center’s 12.
The Einstein contribution will no doubt help NY Cares toward its goal of collecting 125,000 garments throughout New York City.
“It’s important to give back to the community,” said Mr. Cancellieri. “Taking part in the coat drive is one way to help those who may have struggles during the harsh winter months.”
Volunteers with NY Cares will organize the donations by size at the organization’s warehouse and distribute the coats to churches, shelters and other charities that assist those in need.
The coat drive is one of several activities that human resources spearheads throughout the year. “We also host two blood drives, and we established a Making Strides against Breast Cancer team with the 1199 union,” said Mr. Cancellieri. Students, faculty and employees are encouraged to participate, as well as to submit ideas for future partnerships and activities by e-mailing robert.cancellieri@einstein.yu.edu.
Posted on: Thursday, March 09, 2017