KENSINGTON MERCHANTS AID IN HURRICANE RELIEF

Kensington's business owners have been providing humanitarian aid to hurricane victims in a variety of ways. Some have turned portions of their stores into collection sites for donated goods, which they then drive to designated drop-off points. Some have raised money, either to donate where it's needed or to purchase goods with, which they also deliver. Some have donated money. Some have donated goods.

Bridget Elder reports that the Latino Meat Market and Deli at 55 Church Avenue gave her many cans of beans to bring to Red Hook, and 99 Cents Up at 57 Church Avenue gave her "a hefty discount" on batteries, mops, and buckets for the Rockaways.

Jasmina Nikolov was given donuts and boxes of coffee by Zaheel Mohammed of Dunkin' Donuts, 906 Coney Island Avenue by 18th Avenue, to bring to the Rockaways.

Rashid Bhuiyan, current Senior Secretary and former Executive Director and Treasurer of International Homeroom, and his fellow board members collected financial donations from merchants and used the money to buy large quantities of paper towels, diapers, toilet paper, juice, water, and more.

Yesterday, they drove the items to Breezy Point and were directed to go to shelters. They went to FDR High School, but the school didn't have space for the donation. They were then advised to go to Red Hook, but when they got to the building, it was closed. Finally, they headed for State Assemblymember Felix Ortiz's office in Sunset Park. He accepted everything, and he'll transport it to Red Hook shelters. Their long trip, with all those stops, was completed by a little after 9 p.m.

He and his colleagues are planning to collect more money, food, and goods next weekend. They'll set up on Church Avenue and McDonald Avenue, either on Saturday or Sunday. You can contact Rashid Bhuiyan at (347) 276-2788 if you would like to make arrangements with him about donating.
 
These businesses donated to International Homeroom's drive:

• Bhuiyan Bros & Assoc.
• Carniceria Halal Meat
• Garments Supermarket
• Omni HMS Shipping
• Spectrum Photo & Printing
• Progoti Grocery
• Hot Bagels
• Desi Bangla Grocery
• Luncheonette & Deli (southeast corner of McDonald Avenue at Albemarle Road)
• Suchana Supermarket
• Bangladesh Hair Dresser
• Prabhu Money Transfer
• Progoti Grocey
• Shapla Grocery
• Deshi Net World
• Fame Contracting
• Sima Contracting
• International Homeroom

Made space available for collecting goods:

• Tri Parkway Cleaners
• Shenanigans Pub
• Flatbush Jewish Center
• Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church
• Bishop Ford Central Catholic High School

Fund raising:

• P.S. 130 PTA
• Namaste Yoga of Kensington (to purchase goods to donate)

Collected goods and delivered them:

• Friends of Greenwood Playground 
• Immaculate Heart of Mary Cub Scout Pack 187