State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is partnering with Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) to host a free Rain Barrel Giveaway on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School (MELS), located at 91-30 Metropolitan Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375.

To register for the giveaway, participants must live within Senator Addabbo’s district or Assemblyman Hevesi’s district and call Addabbo’s office at (718) 738-1111 to have their name, address and phone number put on the list. There is a limit of one barrel per household. 

At the event, registrants must show photo ID to confirm their name and address in order to claim their barrel. Distribution will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Any leftover barrels will be given to the public on a first-come first-served basis from noon to 1 p.m.

The 55-gallon plastic rain barrels attach to a rain gutter to collect and store excess water during periods of rainfall. That rainwater can then later be used to complete tasks around the house and outdoors, rather than using fresh water. The water collected in the rain barrels is not for drinking. 

“Rain barrels are very useful tools that have a positive impact on residents,” Addabbo said. “With a quick and easy setup, the rain barrels can collect rainwater which can then be used for a wide range of tasks such as watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning windows and other chores. Residents with rain barrels attached to their homes not only preserve their drinking water, but they can also save some money on their water bills. I want to thank Assemblymember Hevesi, DEP and MELS for partnering on this important event.”

"Thanks to Senator Addabbo and his team for spearheading the effort and making sure these much sought-after resources are available for our community. These are proven to promote environmental resilience and are a great way for residents to save on water bills and have readily available water for household chores. Special shoutout to leadership at MELS for making this happen, and to DEP for their continued partnership," said Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi.