On Tuesday, January 6, 2009, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz was joined by Chang-Duck Jeon, president of the Korean Dry Cleaners Association (KDCA) of New York, to donate unclaimed clothing to New York City’s Department of Homeless Services (DHS). DHS Commissioner Robert V. Hess was on hand to accept overcoats, jackets, sweaters, pants and other clothing collected by KDCA members. The donated clothing will be distributed throughout Brooklyn and New York City to help New York’s homeless stay warm this winter, and to wear during employment searches.

“The difficult economic times have made the winter seem a bit colder this year, and so the caring work of the Korean Dry Cleaners Association of New York and the Department of Homeless Services is more important than ever,” said BP Markowitz. “I thank the Association and Commissioner Hess for partnering with us again this year to give our most vulnerable residents a warm coat, a cozy sweater, or a new suit to wear to that important job interview.”

“Thanks to the Korean Dry Cleaners Association, and the leadership of Marty Markowitz and his staff, the most vulnerable New Yorkers will be adequately clothed to endure the cold winter months and be able to dress for success as they embark on the new year,” said DHS Commissioner Hess. “This annual event is truly a testament to the power of government partnerships and the widespread impact business owners can yield in their communities.”

This is the ninth year the Borough President’s Office and the Korean Dry Cleaners Association have teamed up to collect clothing for New Yorkers in need.