14 JUNE 11, 2020 RIDGEWOOD TIMES WWW.QNS.COM
Western Queens civic leader arranges delivery of
fresh produce to help those in need during pandemic
BY BILL PARRY
BPARRY@SCHNEPSMEDIA.COM
@QNS
As the COVID-19 pandemic
began to permeate across
the borough in late March,
a grassroots group of volunteers
mobilized to feed families in need
in Woodside and Sunnyside.
More than two months later, the
collaboration of local civic associations,
religious groups, community
leaders and residents continue to
cater to specific needs in the neighborhoods
by providing meals and
helping to stock food pantries in
the area.
On Thursday, June 4, the Woodside/
Sunnyside Community COVID-
19 Relief Group was resupplied
when a tractor-trailer arrived at
Skillman Avenue and 46th Street.
More than 65 volunteers began to
unload more than 1,400 boxes of
fresh produce after the group’s cofounder,
Brent O’Leary, was able to
coordinate the effort.
“An old friend connected me
with a farm in Maryland who said
they were willing to give me all
the boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables
that I am willing to pick up
for free,” O’Leary said. “They are
paid for by the U.S. government
under the USDA Farm to Family
Program. I just needed to arrange
transportation.”
O’Leary was able to find a truck
driver who was willing to do so
at a reasonable price. He drove to
Maryland and filled up his 53-foot
truck. When the truck arrived in
Sunnyside, the 65 volunteers from
the Mosaic Church, the Woodside
Sunnyside Runners Group, the
Steamfitters Union and community
leaders Ty Sullivan and Eddie
Avila formed a human chain and
unloaded the 1,395 boxes of produce
into a staging area provided
by The Skillman, a restaurant on
46th Street and Skillman Avenue.
Much of the produce is being
distributed at the Mosaic Church
at 46-01 43rd Ave. and Woodside on
the Move at 51-23 Queens Blvd.
More of the produce was directed
to other food pantries such
as Esperaza de Vida in Maspeth
and the Mutual Aid Societies of
Ridgewood and other locations in
western Queens.
O’Leary, who serves as president
of the Hunters Point Civic Association
in Long Island City, announced
his run for City Council last year.
He is hoping to replace Councilman
Jimmy Van Bramer, who is termlimited
out in 2021.
“In these difficult times, it was an
amazing and uplifting experience
to see so many groups and people
come together and work hard to
help out those in need,” O’Leary
said.
More than 65 volunteers off -loaded a tractor trailer fi lled with
produce destined for food pantries across western Queens.
Courtesy Brent O’Leary
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