Stewart-Cousins Hosts Annual Angel Project

From The Office of NY State Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins:For the third year in a row, New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) hosted her “Angel Project”, a program through which holiday gifts are given to grandparents and other kinship caregivers raising children whose parents are unable to care for them. Stewart-Cousins partnered with the Family Service Society of Yonkers, Family Ties, and the Greyston Community Garden Project for this event.

Every year, many charitable groups bring gifts to the children of these caregivers, but few give presents to the caregivers themselves, who sacrifice so much to protect and provide for their families.
Senator Stewart-Cousins started the “Angel Project” in 2016 to bring holiday cheer to these caregivers. Every year, many charitable groups bring gifts to the children of these caregivers, but few give presents to the caregivers themselves, who sacrifice so much to protect and provide for their families.

Over 4,000 grandparents and other kinship caregivers in such arrangements live in Westchester County. Their situations vary and their circumstances are complex, and many of them put their own needs on hold to provide for the children they love and care for.

Stewart-Cousins matched gift-givers, or “Angels,” with caregivers from the Family Service Society of Yonkers, Family Ties, and the Greyston Community Garden Project. Over 78 caregivers received items from their holiday wishlists at a celebration held at the Center for the Urban River at Beczak (CURB) on December 17. The Yonkers Community Action Program (YCAP), ShopRite, Greyston Bakery, and La Piñata Bakery all provided food for the event.

“The holiday season is a time of giving,” said Senator Stewart-Cousins. “Every Angel involved in this project played an important role in a struggling family’s holiday this year - and the caregivers will never forget their generosity. I am proud to live in a community with such giving people.”

Image via NY State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins