WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES NOVEMBER 5, 2020 23
Ridgewood youth activists recognized for community service
BY ANGÉLICA ACEVEDO
AACEVEDO@SCHNEPSMEDIA.COM
@QNS
Ridgewood siblings and activists
Jamie Longo and Jacob
Altamirano were recognized
by Acting Queens Borough President
Sharon Lee for their ongoing community
service during the months of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
“Siblings Jamie and Jacob could be
doing anything else this Saturday.
But here they are, handing out free
food and feminine hygiene products
to their neighbors in Ridgewood with
Hungry Monk Rescue Truck,” Lee
wrote in a Facebook post. “Queens
couldn’t be prouder of our youngest
community leaders. Way to go!”
Lee presented the two with the citation
on Oct. 24 as they volunteered
at the Hungry Monk, where they’ve
partnered with previously to help
gather donations and deliver menstrual
hygiene products. Superintendent
for District 24 Madelene Chan
also showed her support of Longo and
Altamirano.
“I am very grateful that Queens Borough
President Ms. Sharon Lee took
the time out in her busy schedule to
present me with the citation of honor
award,” said Longo.
Longo, a sophomore at Brooklyn
Technical High School, has partnered
with several food pantries across
Queens to help them stock up on menstrual
hygiene products to distribute
this summer.
“I fi nd it very rewarding to help
other people especially, in their time
of need. I enjoy giving back to the
community, and especially to people
whose hygiene needs are sometimes
overlooked,” she said.
Altamirano, who volunteers with
the Hungry Monk, said he was surprised
to receive the award from
Lee.
“I was surprised and happy to meet
our Queens Borough President Ms.
Sharon Lee. I couldn’t believe I was
fi nally meeting her in person,” he
said.
Altamirano said Lee was the fi rst
person he reached out to to help
stock the Hungry Monk in May, and
she responded with boxes of food
donations.
“Now, being recognized for my work
and receiving a citation of honor, well
it just felt good,” he added. “It brought
a smile to my face and heart for simply
doing what I do best.”
Altamirano is a sixth-grader at
P.S./I.S. 128, and credits his mom, community
activist Connie Altamirano,
for teaching he and his sister to give
back to their community.
“I get it from my mom who has been
an inspiration to me, my sister and
others,” he said. “Thank you, mom,
for all you have done and continue to
do for us.”
The award marks six months of the
siblings and their mother volunteering
at food pantries and donating
needed supplies for families in need
across Queens.
“As the mother, I feel blessed with
two young amazing human beings.
What Jamie and Jacob have done for
their community and others is remarkable.
At their age I would never
have been able to do this,” she said.
“I’m glad to see them active for the
good of the community. It’s good to see
them thinking of other people and not
just themselves. I would like take this
opportunity to thank everyone who
contributed to their service project.”
Photo courtesy of the Queens borough president’s offi ce
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