An Astoria-based female empowerment group, Ladies First Astoria, is hosting its second ‘Festival of Giving’ to benefit the city’s homeless populationGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

In response to the group’s successful festival last year, Ladies First Astoria has enlisted a wide array of local small businesses, in addition to a newly-formed Board of Directors, to ensure a broader reach this holiday seasonGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Initially formed in 2018, Ladies First Astoria has since held multiple successful educational and networking events, and was eager to contribute to the NYC community at largeGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. This year’s charitable effort will be organized into three parts: collection of goods, assembly of care bags, and distribution to the peopleGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

In the weeks leading up to the distribution day (December 14), Ladies First Astoria will have collection bins at the following local businesses: Astoria Bier & Cheese at their Ditmars and Broadway locations; Mighty Oak Roasters, The Happie House, Comfortland, and Chateau Le WoofGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.
 
From December 1-7, collections of toiletries are being accepted, with non-perishable foods being accepted at collection sites from the week of December 8-13Give_Me_Astoria_image_00028. Clothing items are also being accepted at the aforementioned locationsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

Ladies First Astoria will hold an Assembly Party on Friday, December 13^th at at Burgerology, where members and volunteers will assemble the collected items into bagsGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028. On the morning of Saturday, December 14^th, the group will split up into teams and distribute the bags to those in need on the streets throughout Queens and ManhattanGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.

If you are interested in joining the assembly and distribution, you may register to attend the events here:

Assembly – https://lfa2019assemblypartyGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.eventbriteGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.com
Distribution Day – https://lfa2019distributiondayGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.eventbriteGive_Me_Astoria_image_00028.com