New York State Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Wheatley Heights)—in conjunction with her county and town government colleagues—recently helped coordinate a large winter clothing donation from a Farmingdale-based company to Cops N’ Kids Long Island, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting youth and law enforcement through mentorship and educational programming. This year’s winter clothing drive intended for local families in need is part of an annual effort lead by Cops N’ Kids called “Operation Give Back,” and it is sponsored by several local officials including Jean-Pierre, Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and Babylon Town Councilmen DuWayne Gregory, Anthony Manetta and Terence McSweeney.
Shortly after the launch of the 2020 winter clothing drive, Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre and her government colleagues were approached by Cloud 9 Exotics Chief Strategy Officer Evan Bachrach, who offered to donate dozens of boxes of new, unused winter clothing for local Babylon residents in need. Shortly thereafter, Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre welcomed Evan and his team to her office alongside Cops N’ Kids and other local officials to officially accept Cloud 9 Exotics’ generous donation which totaled about four pallets’ worth of new, high-quality winter clothing.
“The holidays are an important time to come together as a community and to help those of our neighbors in need, and this is especially true this year as Long Islanders continue navigating the hardships associated with the coronavirus pandemic,” said Jean-Pierre. “I am extremely thankful for Evan and his team at Cloud 9 Exotics for exhibiting such kindness and generosity during a time of need for so many, and I know through the work of Cops N’ Kids Long Island and its “Operation Give Back” outreach campaign, these clothing items are going to go to so many individuals and families who need them most.”
“Cops N’ Kids is very much in line with the values and brand that define Cloud 9 Exotics, and we really enjoyed coming together for the betterment of the community,” said Bachrach. “We appreciate Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre’s hospitality and for making this connection and look forward to furthering our relationship with our community stakeholders in the months and years to come.”
“Today was a testament to how we all can come together in the spirit of goodness,” said Kwani O’Pharrow, President of Cops N’ Kids Long Island. “Everyone’s contributions will allow us to help many in need.”
During the donation event, Evan and his staff accompanied the truckload of winter clothing with two of his company’s luxury sports vehicles and together with Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre, Legislator Richberg, Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Councilmen Gregory and McSweeney, and Cops N’ Kids volunteers, formed an assembly line to efficiently unload and store the clothing items.
The winter clothing drive will be running through January 1st, 2021 and donations are being accepted at Assemblywoman Jean-Pierre’s office as well as other government offices during normal business hours. Those interested in donating can call 631-290-1715 or email info@copsnkidsli.org for more information.
