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St. John’s ICARE Foundation Wraps Up Teen Bag Giveaway

Far Rockaway, New York, June 25, 2024 — The St. John’s ICARE Foundation held its fourth Teen Self-Care Bag giveaway during the Far Rockaway Arverne Nonprofit Coalition (FRANC) annual Youth Summit at Ravens Field on June 6.

“We were proud to collaborate with the St. John’s ICARE Foundation,” said Brandon Jefferies, Co-Chair of FRANC. “The Teen Self-Care Bag giveaway is yet another shining example of the ICARE Foundation exemplifying not only its purpose, but the customized way in which they listen and support communities on the Peninsula by impacting teen hygiene and health awareness.”

The distribution concluded the Teen Self-Care Bag initiative the ICARE Foundation launched last year with support from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation donated $38,000 to provide basic essentials such as shampoo, soap, toothpaste, hairbrushes, feminine hygiene products, and more to underserved Far Rockaway teens.

St. John’s ICARE Foundation Executive Director Nancy Leghart and volunteer Madison McKenzie (left) distributed hygiene bags to local teenagers at the B.R.I.D.G.E. Family Enrichment Center.
Nancy Leghart, Executive Director of St. John’s ICARE Foundation is pictured with local teens at a Teen Self-Care Bag giveaway event at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital.
Members of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation and team members from Episcopal Health Services handed out Teen Self-Care Bags at the FRANC annual Youth Summit on June 6.

“This partnership with the Amazin’ Mets Foundation helped teens obtain the hygiene supplies they desperately need to improve their overall health and wellness,” said Nancy Leghart, Executive Director of the St. John’s ICARE Foundation. “It also allowed us to build relationships with teens, their families, and other community organizations, reminding them that the ICARE Foundation and St. John’s Epis copal Hospital are valuable resources for them.”

In all, 1,000 reusable duffle bags with self-care products were distributed at community centers and events throughout Far Rockaway, including the Sorrentino Recreation Center, the B.R.I.D.G.E. Family Enrichment Center, and the Donna’s H.O.P.E. “Beauty Inside and Out Symposium” for young women held at Episcopal Health Services Clinical Learning Center. The teen self-care bags were also provided to the Kappa VI Preparatory Academy and the Five Towns Community Center.

“We were honored to partner with St. John’s ICARE Foundation to host the giveaway at our center and help provide self-care bags to over 125 teens,” said Curtis Turney-Rentas, Executive Director of the B.R.I.D.G.E. Family Enrichment Center. “The Teen Self-Care Bag giveaway is more than just an initiative; it’s a lifeline for our youth. By providing resources, support, and essential items it empowers teenagers in our community to prioritize their mental and physical well-being, foster resilience and a sense of belonging.”

In addition to receiving the self-care bags, local teens received information and educational resources focused on health and wellness.

About St. John’s ICARE Foundation

The St. John’s ICARE Foundation, created in 2021, fosters a culture of philanthropy to secure, manage and distribute gifts in support of the mission and vision of Episcopal Health Services and St. John’s Episcopal Hospital. The ICARE Foundation, which stands for Innovation, Compassion, Respect and Empathy, raises awareness and funds in support of equipment, capital projects, special programs and community initiatives. To make a donation, visit sjicarefoundation.org or call (718)-869-8062 for more information.