Bronx, N.Y., Nov. 29, 2010 – Animals at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo always have food to eat and toys to play with, but many New Yorkers aren’t as fortunate.
The Bronx Zoo is taking part in the Bronx Borough President’s annual toy drive as well as the Food Bank For New York City’s food drive. Both of these programs provide families in need with food throughout winter and toys for their children during the holidays.
“We are very excited to collaborate with Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., and the Food Bank For New York City to help a community that has been such a tremendous supporter to the Wildlife Conservation Society over the years,” said John Calvelli, WCS Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “We’re very proud to help New York City families in need have a joyous holiday season.”
Through the end of December, the zoo will collect toys for underprivileged children. Zoo visitors can bring their new, unwrapped toys to the Zoo Center building for distribution by the Borough President’s office.
“Every child deserves to be happy, especially during the holidays. By donating a toy, New Yorkers can help make the season a little brighter for children in need throughout the city,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.
The Bronx Zoo will also partner with the Food Bank For New York City to collect food for underprivileged New Yorkers. There are more than 1.4 million New Yorkers relying on emergency food. The Food Bank For New York City solicits, warehouses, and distributes food to more than 1,000 food pantries, soup kitchens and other community-based programs around the five boroughs.
The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and Queens Zoo are also participating in the food and toy drives. Donations can be dropped off at the park entrance (no admission necessary). Free tickets can be collected at your chosen drop off location.
“At a time when one in five New York City residents is relying on the Food Bank's programs and services, including one in five children, we are very grateful to the Wildlife Conservation Society for their support. The holidays can be an especially daunting time for families who are struggling to put food on the table. With 93 percent of soup kitchen and food pantries experiencing an increase in first-time visitors, this has been very challenging - for the Food Bank and for the families we serve. This wonderful food drive will certainly help us bring more families together during the holiday season,” said Lucy Cabrera, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Food Bank For New York City.
As a thank you for every new, unwrapped toy or grocery bag filled with 10 or more packaged food items, we will provide one free general admission ticket—limit four per family, valid 1/01/2011 through 6/30/2011.**
** Disclaimer: ONE general admission ticket to the Bronx Zoo will be provided for a donation of one new, unwrapped toy OR for every 10 food items at the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo or Queens Zoo. ONE general admission ticket to the New York Aquarium will be provided for a donation of one new, unwrapped toy OR for every 10 food items at the New York Aquarium. Limit of four tickets per family, valid 01/ 01/11 through 06/30/11. Food items must be canned, packaged and/or nonperishable foods –perishable items are not permitted. All WCS decisions final. Promotion available from 11/22/10 –12/31/10. May not be combined with any other offer.
Contact: Max Pulsinelli - 718-220- 5182; Cell 571-218-7601; mpulsinelli@wcs.org Steve Fairchild – 718- 220- 5189; sfairchild@wcs.org
The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth. The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 5:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Adult admission is $16, children (3-12 years old) $12, children under 3 are free, seniors (65+) are $14. Parking is $13 for cars and $16 for buses. The Bronx Zoo is conveniently located off the Bronx River Parkway at Exit 6; by train via the #2 or #5 or by bus via the #9, #12, #19, #22, MetroNorth, or BxM11 Express Bus service (from Manhattan that stops just outside the gate.) To plan your trip, visit www.bronxzoo.com or call 718-367-1010.
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