***NEWS RELEASE***: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO ANNOUNCED LAUNCH OF OFFICE FOR THE AGING PARTNERSHIP WITH AFYA FOR “SECOND LIFE SUPPLIES INITIATIVE”.

L-R: Yonkers Council Majority Leader Michael Sabatino; Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano; AFYA Executive Director Danielle Butin; Yonkers Office for the Aging Director Kelly Chiarella;

Yonkers Office for the Aging Coordinator of Community Projects Wendy Cuevas; AFYA Volunteers

(Photo Credit: Maurice Mercado/City of Yonkers)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: YONKERS MAYOR SPANO ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF OFFICE FOR THE AGING PARTNERSHIP WITH AFYA FOR “SECOND LIFE SUPPLIES INITIATIVE”

Collection Drive of Gently Used Medical Supplies to Benefit Health Initiatives Worldwide.

YONKERS, NY – September 19, 2019 -- Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano today announced the City’s Office for the Aging partnership with AFYA on the launch of its “Second Life Supplies Initiative” Collection Drive which will benefit health initiatives worldwide.  The Office for the Aging and AFYA will work together to collect medical supplies and equipment, such as empty pill bottles, nebulizers and wheelchairs, from individuals seeking to donate after a death or transition to a nursing home.

“At times, one of our family members passes away or transitions into a nursing home, and various medical items are thrown away,” said Mayor Mike Spano. “This initiative gives new life to these items and so they can continue to help those in need. This is an opportunity to make a difference world-wide.”  

Yonkers Office for the Aging (YOFA) will accept small donations at the following four sites between 10am-1:00pm:

·        Peter Chema Community Center- 435 Riverdale Ave (Monday – Friday)
·        Bronx River Rd Center- 680 Bronx River Road (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays)
·        Nepperhan Community Center- 342 Warburton Ave (Tuesdays & Thursdays only)
·        North Yonkers Preservation & Development - 219 Ridge Ave (Monday – Friday)

Office for the Aging Director Kelly Chiarella stated, “This initiative makes sense. Yonkers Office for the Aging has the relationship with caregivers and seniors during difficult transitions. This is an easy way for us to help people both  locally and globally while also reducing trash locally.”

Executive Director of AFYA Danielle Butin added, “This is a very unique way to honor the memory of a loved one while at the same time offering soulfully meaningful help to those around the world who are in dire need of medical supplies.”

The following items will be accepted at YOFA drop off sites:

·        Pill Organizers

·        Thermometer (no mercury)

·        Stethoscope

·        Nebulizer

·        Bed Pan (New)

·        Urinal (New)

·        Glucometers, Lancets and Test Strips

·        Empty Pill Bottles

·        Wheelchairs

·        Canes, Walkers, Crutches

·        Reachers/Grabbers

·        Sock Aids

·        Magnifier Glasses

·        Reading Glasses

·        Medical Supplies that are not expired AND opened cases/bags are accepted (wound care, IV supplies, dressings, adult diapers, underpads, etc.)

For larger donations and private residence pickups (New York Metro Area Only), donors should contact AFYA directly at (914) 920-5081.