Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) and the Law Offices of Ann-Margaret Carrozza, along with co-sponsor Community Board 11, organized our community’s record-breaking 23^rd Annual Valentines for Vets Gift Drive to honor hospitalized veterans for the sacrifices they have made to defend our nation. 

Thousands of donations of handwritten cards, candy, new clothing items, playing cards, puzzles, and toiletries were received from 25 schools, as well as churches, civic organizations, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and many local residents. The gifts were delivered on Valentine’s Day by Assemblyman Braunstein, his staff, and students and faculty from Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, to the hospitalized men and women at the St. Albans VA Community Living Center and the New York State Veterans’ Home at St. Albans.

“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who participated, especially our local schools, for once again supporting our community’s Valentines for Vets gift drive. These donations helped to brighten the day of hundreds of veterans by showing that we care about them and appreciate their sacrifices,” said Assemblyman Braunstein.

“For the 23^rd year, we asked the residents of Northeast Queens to consider making a hospitalized veteran their Valentine, and they answered that appeal once again by generously donating thousands of items to our hospitalized heroes,” said Ann-Margaret Carrozza.

“Additionally, I want to thank Community Board 11 for its participation in the gift drive,” said Assemblyman Braunstein.

Among the schools and community organizations that contributed to this drive were: 

Bayside Community Library, Bayside Kiwanis, Beech Hills Shareholders, Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, Bridge View Nursing Home, Cambria Heights Academy for New Literacies, Conron Girl Scout Troop of Whitestone, Daughters of the American Revolution, Deepdale CARES NORC, Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy, Girl Scout Troop 4279, Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association, Holy Cross Troop 4175, Holy Trinity Catholic Academy, IS 25, Jefferson Democratic Club, MS 158, Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Academy, P.9, PS 21, PS 32, PS 41, PS 130, PS 159, PS 184, PS 193, PS 811, PS/MS 219, Q285-WJPS, Queensboro Hill Community Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Academy, School District 25 Pre-K Centers, School District 30 Pre-K Centers, St. Kevin Catholic Academy, St. Kevin Church Boy Scout Troop 75, St. Luke School, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church Seniors, The Lowell School, and the William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School.

Picture Caption: Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein is pictured on Valentine’s Day at the St. Albans VA Community Living Center with veterans, as well as his staff, and students and faculty from Benjamin N. Cardozo High School.