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BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARKOWITZ SAYS BROOKLYN NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Photograph by Kathryn Kirk
	In photo: 1st row - left to right - New York Aquarium Curator of Education Merryl Kafka, Diana Jones Senior Center Director Narcisa, Judy Willig from the Heights and Hill Community Council, Borough President Markowutz, Prospect Park Alliance Director of Volunteers Carol Anastasia, Libery Mutual's New York Assistant Regional Manager Lillian Knoeller and Liberty Mutual Resident Sales Representative Leslie DesinorPictured - 2nd row - far left New York City Technical College Pres. Dr. Fred Beaufait and (behind Borough President) Poster creator Albert Dungca.

Urging Brooklynites to begin volunteering during National Volunteer Week

Borough President Marty Markowitz kicked off his program today to encourage Brooklynites of all ages to donate their time and energy to the many worthwhile local organizations and institutions that desperately need volunteers. Posters, printed in both English and Spanish, will be placed in Brooklyn cultural institutions, senior citizen centers, colleges and various other locations all across the borough. The posters were printed courtesy of Liberty Mutual.

“There is nothing more satisfying and rewarding than using some of your unique skills and abilities to help others,” Borough President Markowitz said. “Brooklynites always take care of each other and, especially during these challenging financial times, volunteering is a great way to give back to your community. You can clean up a park, assist a not-for-profit, coach, mentor, read or just listen. You can make a tremendous difference by just donating your time and, trust me, it is the best investment you will ever make!”

“Liberty Mutual is proud to be a sponsor of this dynamic campaign. We at Liberty are committed to helping people live safer more secure lives. This type of program gets to the core of our mission which is built on people helping people,” Libery Mutual’s New York Assistant Regional Manager Lillian Knoeller said.

Brooklynites’ interests and experience can be matched with groups looking for all kinds of assistance. People can call 718-802-3875 or log onto www.Brooklyn-usa.org right now for more information on where to become a Brooklyn volunteer.

A number of Brooklyn organizations joined with the Borough President Markowitz at the announcement including the Brooklyn Public Library, the Diana Jones Senior Center, the Fifth Avenue Committee, New York Aquarium and the Prospect Park Alliance.

"Volunteers are part of the lifeblood of Brooklyn Public Library," Brooklyn Public Library Executive Director Ginnie Cooper said. "They assist in so many ways, including helping children with their after school homework assignments, teaching adults how to read and helping patrons young and old learn how to access vital Internet information. Our newest volunteers, the Central Library Welcome Ambassadors, greet patrons and guide them to the extensive resources at our flagship library. On behalf of the Library, I'd like to extend our warmest thanks to these wonderful volunteers."

“The success of the Fifth Avenue Committee – in affordable housing, creating jobs, working for justice, and strengthening our community – comes from 25 years of neighbors working together,” Fifth Avenue Committee Executive Director Brad Lander said. “We are so lucky to be blessed with hundreds of Brooklyn residents who plan projects, serve on committees, lead our campaigns, contribute money, and volunteer time. These people are at the heart of all of our community development work.”

“Volunteering in Prospect Park is a great opportunity to exercise, socialize and help beautify this open space that all of Brooklyn loves so very much,” Prospect Park Alliance Senior Vice President of External Affairs Barbara McTiernan said.

The five posters were designed by Brooklyn Volunteer Albert Dungca, who created them while he was enrolled as a student at New York City Technical College and volunteered to complete the project after he graduated.