New Yorkers have faced ongoing economic challenges since 2019, with the rising costs of food, utilities, and housing making it increasingly difficult for many families to afford basic necessities. During this holiday season, community members came together to spread joy and relief at a time when so many are struggling.
For the third year in a row, MinimalisaNYC and DIVAS for Social Justice hosted a free Holiday Gift Shoppe at the Garden of Resilience in Southeast Queens. For the past two years, MinimalisaNYC has hosted monthly clothing giveaways at the Garden from July through December. Each season culminates in the Holiday Gift Shoppe, where community members are invited to select free items to give as gifts during the holidays. These items are rehomed by MinimalisaNYC through donations from their clients, ensuring that gently used clothing and accessories continue to serve the community.
This year, DIVAS for Social Justice expanded the event by launching a toy drive for the first time. Through funding and community partnerships, DIVAS was able to significantly increase the impact of the Holiday Gift Shoppe. Support from the Stop & Shop Community Bag Initiative raised nearly $500, which helped purchase toys and provide refreshments for families attending the event. In addition, community members contributed through an Amazon Wish List, resulting in nearly 100 toys collected within just three weeks. As a result, 50 children received free toys during the Holiday Gift Shoppe. Additional support came from the Floral Park Masons Lodge and JGM Innovation, who together donated 30 toys to the drive.
The spirit of giving extended beyond the Garden of Resilience. The Emerson School, also located in Southeast Queens, learned just one week before Christmas that they would not receive anticipated grant funding for holiday gifts for students. In response, DIVAS for Social Justice donated 50 toys to support the school’s holiday giveaway. Teachers at Emerson School further rallied together, contributing additional gifts to ensure that all 300 students were able to receive a present for the holidays.
Everyone deserves to be remembered and celebrated during the holiday season. We are grateful for the power of community—neighbors, educators, organizations, and partners—coming together to support families and ensure that children feel seen, valued, and cared for during this special time of year.
