Residents of the 19th Senatorial District in Brooklyn were treated to an afternoon of community service, thanks to Senator Roxanne J. Persaud, who recently partnered with the Department of Sanitation, American Debate League, Campaign for hunger, and the Public Library, for a back-to-school giveaway, in front of the Canarsie Library where children storytelling was a highlight.
Packages of dry goods and PPE were also distributed.
The politician who represents the largest Senate District in New York State, which encompasses portions of Canarsie, East New York, Brownsville, Mill Basin, Sheepshead Bay, Bergen Beach, Marine Park, Flatlands, Ocean Hill and Starrett City in Brooklyn despite having to reduce her agenda due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, continues to engage the community through several initiatives.
The politician who will be seeking a fifth team when voters go to the polls for the Primary 2022, noted that there is a separation of campaigning and community outreach, but she never stops reaching out to the community, because she is not an elected official who only engages the community during canvassing season.
She is passionate about satisfying the needs of the elderly that make up a large part of her district, as well as interacting with students in multiple learning institutions that are in some 100 public, parochial, and charter schools, in the 19th Senatorial District.
Sen. Persaud who thanked volunteers, Karen Wharton and Amar Dyal, and staff, Jennifer Viechweg-Horsford among others, who helped to pack food items and greet residents, was also delighted to welcome NYPD police officers, signup students for the debating team, and handed out gift to youths who enjoyed spinning a prize-winning wheel for gifts.
The elected official who issued a statement on the legislation signed on Oct. 4, 2021, by Governor Kathy Hochul, said the measure will ultimately result in more hot meal options for elderly, disabled or homeless New Yorkers who either lack basic cooking facilities or are physically unable to prepare food.
“Food insecurity does not discriminate, and all options must be available for our most vulnerable neighbors. I thank Governor Hochul for signing this important legislation and for deploying the $25 million Restaurant Resiliency Program funded in this year’s budget. COVID-19 imperiled food service establishments across New York State; this program will help restaurants help our neighbors facing hunger,” she said.
The politician, who is also calling on constituents to register to vote, explained that by not voting, members of the electorate miss out on the opportunity to bring about change in their community.
“When you vote, you have a say, and you could hold elected officials accountable. You should be an active participant, she said, pointing to the census, that was unsuccessful in reaching its goal, for fair share of federal funds for programs essential to health care, education, housing in New York,” she said.
Sen. Persaud also expressed concern about the lack of vaccinated residents. She encouraged residents to get vaccinated, noting the vaccine, rather than the alternative of contracting, is the best defense against the coronavirus in becoming hospitalized, or the chance of dying from the virus, like a family member of hers, who did not take the shot.
“I took the shot, but she didn’t, and she unfortunately died,” shared the politician, who said it was important to get vaccinated, in order for the community to get back to a sense of normalcy.
She also encouraged persons to download the NYS Excelsior COVID-19 app passport, by going to www.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov.
