Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein (D-Bayside) and the Law Offices of Ann-Margaret Carrozza, along with co-sponsors Dr. William M. Duke and Community Board 11, organized our community’s 17th annual Valentines for Vets gift drive to honor our hospitalized veterans for the sacrifices they have made to defend our nation.

Thousands of donations of candy, hand-written cards, new clothing items, playing cards, puzzles and toiletries were received from over 25 schools, as well as civic and religious organizations, senior clubs, and many local residents. The gifts were delivered on Valentine’s Day by Assemblyman Braunstein and his staff, with assistance from students from Holy Cross High School, to the hospitalized men and women at the St. Albans Community Living Center of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System and the New York State Veterans Home at St. Albans.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone, especially our local public and private schools, for their overwhelming support for the Valentines for Vets gift drive. Please know that your donations helped to brighten the day of hundreds of veterans by showing them that we care about them and appreciate their sacrifices,” said Assemblyman Braunstein.

“We asked the residents of Northeast Queens to consider making a hospitalized veteran their Valentine this year, and they answered that appeal by generously donating thousands of items for our hospitalized heroes,” said Ann-Margaret Carrozza.

“In addition, I want to thank Dr. William Duke and Community Board 11 for their generous participation in the gift drive,” said Braunstein.

Among the schools and community organizations that contributed to this drive:

Auburndale Community Library, Bayside Hills Civic Association, Benjamin N. Cardozo High School, Brownie Troop 4-525, Divine Wisdom Catholic Academy, Girl Scout Troop 4-772, Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association, Holy Cross High School, Holy Trinity School, ICCD School, IS 25, Mary’s Nativity – St. Ann Parish, MS 158, MS 294: Bell Academy, Our Lady of the Snows School, Our World Neighborhood Charter School, P. 9, PS 32, PS 41, PS 98, PS 107, PS 115, PS 159, PS 160, PS 184, PS 209, PS 214, Q285: World Journalism Preparatory School, Queensboro Hill Community Church, Raindew Family Center & Pharmacy of Great Neck, Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District of Massachusetts, Sacred Heart Cub Scout Den 6 - Pack 49, SNAP Senior Center, St. Kevin Rosary Society, St. Mel’s Italian American Association, St. Mel’s Leisure Club, St. Mel’s School, St. Robert Bellarmine School, and the William Spyropoulos Greek-American Day School.