New Grassroots Charity, The Gear Bank, Launches in NYC

NEW YORK, NY — The Gear Bank, a newly-formed grassroots effort to gather second-hand winter sports clothing and gear for New York City’s homeless population, will launch its initiative with a holiday party, open to the public, that will celebrate the season while honoring its true spirit.

The sole price of admission to this Holiday-season event——to be held on Saturday, December 9th in a 4,000 square foot loft in downtown Brooklyn (147 Front Street)with live music and free drinks——will be one or more pieces of warm winter clothing (a fleece or down jacket, for example), or some useful piece of outdoor gear, such as a sleeping pad or sleeping bag. Those who want to show their support but have nothing spare to donate will be asked to contribute $20 at the door.

Details are available at www.thegearbank.org.

The Gear Bank’s goal is to supply good quality warm clothing to help New York City’s homeless population, which now numbers nearly 40,000 people, one third of whom are children. Only good quality gear will be accepted. “Waterproof-breathable and down are great. A good rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t wear it outside yourself, it’s probably not right for us,” says Christian DeBenedetti, the drive’s organizer.

The creators of the Gear Bank, a coalition of local journalists, businessmen, outdoor-lovers, artists, and other volunteers, will be on hand to collect the gear, with help from NEW YORK CARES and the SALVATION ARMY OF GREATER NEW YORK, two long-established local charities. Major sponsors include BACKPACKER MAGAZINE and local boutique THE COFFEE BOX, while other backers for the event are sought.

A top-tier, live bluegrass band, THE BROOKLYN PLAYBOYS, as well as a DJ, will warm up the festivities as guests (with i.d.) will enjoy free drinks and refreshments all night long. The party will run from 7PM until midnight.

“The GEAR BANK was created to get some of that gear you don’t use anymore out of your closets and into the hands of New Yorkers who can truly use it this winter,” says DeBenedetti. “And have a good party while we’re at it. Hope to see you there.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, please contact: THE GEAR BANK – WWW.THEGEARBANK.ORG
Christian DeBenedetti (Organizer)
Email: info@thegearbank.org; ph. 917-586-2357