28 THE QUEENS COURIER • BUZZ • DECEMBER 23, 2021 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
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Children’s book author visits kids living in Jamaica residence for homeless families
BY BILL PARRY
bparry@schnepsmedia.com
@QNS
Homes for the Homeless held a recent
book reading and discussion at its
Saratoga Family Residence in Jamaica
for children ages 3 to 16 centered on the
release of the “Knock Knock, Where’s
My Sock?” illustrated children’s book by
Adina Lichtman.
Th e book follows Chrystal, a little girl
whose family moved into a shelter where
she loses one of her lucky socks, makes
new friends and learns that everyone has
superpowers.
Th e creation of the book was informed
by several families living in the HFH shelter
and includes a poem from a teenage
resident about her experiences with
homelessness. Children from various age
groups wearing superhero masks they
created participated along with several
parents as student leaders from the
Saratoga aft er-school program took turns
reading from the book to the younger
children.
Lichtman joined the children, who
became more engaged as the story’s plot
progressed. An interactive age-appropriate
conversation took place aft erward
where multiple children shared their positive
reactions as they responded to questions
relating to the theme of the story.
“Th e experience was phenomenal on
many levels,” Saratoga Aft erschool &
Recreation Director Michael Chapman
said. “Having the students involved
throughout the process from setting up,
to reading and overall production gave
Author Adina Lichtman leads a reading from her children’s book to youngsters in the Saratoga Family Residence in Jamaica.
them a diff erent insight.”
Lichtman is the founder of the organization
Knock Knock, Give a Sock, an organization
that works to humanize homelessness
“one sock at a time” by bringing
neighbors living in local homeless shelters
and neighbors living in homes together.
Th e group raises awareness about who
are homeless in addition to providing
them with fresh socks, a much-needed
resource in many homeless shelters.
Knock Knock, Give a Sock sponsor
Alston & Bird Law Firm donated 150
book sets to the families at the Saratoga
Family Residence. Copies were provided
to all participants at the end of the event.
Photo courtesy of HFH
Saratoga Family Residence Administrator
Michael Fahy noted the signifi cance of the
story and the event for the children.
“We try to empower the children so
they can gain high self-esteem, showing
them that they can do anything and take
away from the stigma of living in a shelter,”
Fahy said.
Students celebrated during 41st annual tree lighting at William F. Moore Park
BY BILL PARRY
bparry@schnepsmedia.com
@QNS
Th e children of Corona were the focus
of the 41st annual tree lighting at William
F. Moore Park Saturday, Dec. 11, as
Councilman Francisco Moya together with
leaders and members of the community celebrated
the children of the neighborhood
who faced enormous challenges during the
COVID-19 crisis.
Th e day featured a toy giveaway to more
than 400 children and holiday songs performed
by P.S. 14 and P.S. 110 students. Th e
event culminated with the lighting of the tree.
“Th ere is no greater joy than seeing smiles
on children’s faces and that was at the heart of
our toy distribution and tree lighting celebration,”
Moya said. “Aft er another school year
and holiday season adapting to the COVID-
19 pandemic, we brought the holiday cheer
to William F. Moore Park and the entire
neighborhood with our tree lighting and
students singing.”
Th e event was part of Moya’s eff orts to
bring holiday cheer to families in the communities
hardest hit by the pandemic and
students, given the ever-changing environment
they have endured during the nearly
two years of the pandemic. Th e toy distribution
was thanks to a partnership with Sheet
Metal Workers Local 28.
“Our members are always looking to give
back and this time of year is no exception,”
Sheet Metal Workers Local 28 President and
Business Manager Eric Meslin said. “As families
in this neighborhood continue to recover
from COVID-19, there’s nothing more
special than to have the opportunity to bring
out smiles in children during this holiday
season.”
Th e tree and holiday decorations will be
up in William F. Moore Park through Th ree
Kings Day on Jan. 6, and were once again
designed by Yessenia Calle in partnership
with the Ecuadorian Civic Committee of
New York.
“Th is holiday season my family and I
wanted to light up Williams F. Moore Park
with a sweet little wonderland fi lled with gift s
and treats,” Calle said.
Following musical performances by students
from P.S. 110 and P.S. 14, NYC Parks
Queens Borough Commissioner Michael
Dockett thanked Moya for sponsoring the
event and annual tradition at William F.
Moore Park.
“Th e children’s voices really made the evening
special together with a holiday exhibit
that will bring joy and cheer to so many
families,” he said.
Photo courtesy of Moya’s offi ce
The 41st annual tree lighting at William F. Moore Park celebrated the children of Corona that have
faced enormous challenges during the pandemic.
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