Queens, NY - State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. is partnering with Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi to host a free Rain Barrel Giveaway for their constituents this July.

On Saturday, July 15th, Senator Addabbo and Assembly Member Hevesi will bring the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) to the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School, located at 91-30 Metropolitan Ave. in Forest Hills, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to hand out free rain barrels to constituents who have pre-registered.

In order to register for the giveaway, participants must live within Senator Addabbo’s district or Assembly Member Hevesi’s district and call either office to have their name, address and phone number put on the list. Addabbo’s office can be reached at (718) 738-1111. Assembly Member Andrew Hevesi’s office can be reached at (718) 263-5595.

“Rain barrels are very useful tools that have a positive impact on residents,” Addabbo said. “With a quick and easy setup, the rain barrels can collect rainwater which can then be used for a wide range of tasks such as watering gardens, washing cars, cleaning windows and other chores. Residents with rain barrels attached to their homes not only preserve their drinking water, but they can also save some money on their water bills.”

The 55-gallon plastic rain barrels attach to a rain gutter to collect and store excess water during periods of rainfall. That rainwater can then later be used to complete tasks around the house and outdoors, rather than using fresh water.

“It's great to partner once again with Senator Addabbo, his team, and our friends at DEP to provide our neighborhoods with easier access to safe water,” Hevesi said. “This also lets our neighbors take a hands-on approach to help preserve resources and create resilient communities, which is particularly encouraging as we combat the effects of climate change. Credit again to all of our partners for making this happen, with a special thank you to the leadership at MELS for coordinating and providing us with a space for this event.”

“I want to thank Assemblyman Hevesi and NYC DEP for their partnership on this great event, as well as MELS for opening up their space for us,” Addabbo added. “These rain barrels are always popular, so be sure to call in early and register for yours before they are all gone!”