Many neighbors have been asking how they can help businesses and employees affected by the Christmas Eve fire near 49th and Baltimore and its aftermath. The fire destroyed Elena’s Soul Lounge and its demolition in the following days damaged two adjacent, popular business storefronts – Gary’s Nails and Cedar Park Cafe. On Friday, January 25, Cedar Park Neighbors and the Baltimore Avenue Business Association (Facebook page) are inviting everyone who wants to support these businesses to a community event held from 7-10 p.m. at The Cedar Works, the new community-oriented work and meeting space located at 4919 Pentridge Avenue. Donations for the affected businesses will be accepted at the door.

The event will include music and food & drink from local businesses. It’s also a great chance to meet and socialize with your neighbors and friends.

Here’s a Facebook page for the event where you can confirm if you’re coming: https://www.facebook.com/events/310834425703338/.

Also, if you are available to volunteer that night setting up or staffing the door, please email Michael Froehlich at: michaelrfroehlich@gmail.com.

UPDATE: Those who would like to donate to the businesses and employees affected by the Baltimore Avenue fire you can do so until Wednesday, Jan. 30 by going to the “Donate” section of the Cedar Park Neighbors website: http://www.cedarparkneighbors.org/join-cpn-donate/general-donation/ (indicate in the comments section that this is for the “Baltimore Avenue fire fund”).

The annual Christmas tree recycling initiative by UC Green received a great response from the community this year. Residents brought more than 400 Christmas trees to Clark Park on January 5, the University City District reports. Residents also donated money to UC Green, which turned the collected trees into wood chips that will be used in the neighborhood’s community gardens. On the same day, eForce Compliance collected nearly 11,000 pounds of used electronics from local residents, which will also be recycled or disposed of in an environmentally-safe manner.

One of other ways to help UC Green, a local non-profit that works on community greening projects, is to buy their firewood, all local and all split by volunteers, currently available at Mariposa Food Co-op (49th & Baltimore).

Photo courtesy UCD.

The Philadelphia Mobile Food Association is teaming up with Philabundance in an effort to make holidays brighter for those who can’t afford food.  PMFA is organizing a canned food drive this month and will be accepting non-perishable food donations until December 23. You can drop off your donation at any PMFA food truck (see the list of participating West Philly trucks below). The project launched last Saturday during the PMFA Holiday Round Up. Next time you visit your favorite truck remember to bring some canned goods for your fellow man.

Many kids in the Philadelphia area will be cold this winter because their families can’t afford heat or warm clothes. To help local children stay warm, neighbor Jeannette Bennicelli is organizing a winter coat drive for Cradles to Crayons, a local non-profit that provides children living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need. If you have new or used winter clothing or coats for children aged infant through 17 years old that you would like to donate, please email Jeannette at: jbennice2@gmail.com to arrange the donations.

UPDATE: Jeannette sends many thanks to all those who responded to this post and donated coats and says that she welcomes more donations (deadline is Monday, Dec. 17).

Many neighbors have been asking about ways to donate various items to help victims of Hurricane Sandy. Thanks to a neighbor, Cindy, we learned about a brand new (only about a week old!) Philly Hub for Occupy Sandy NJ, where Cindy volunteers and where you can drop off your donations. The Hub is located at 2nd and Spring Garden and is currently accepting the following donations:

ITEMS NEEDED
Safety Equipment/Muck out Gear
tarps, pry bars, heavy-duty garbage bags
OSHA N95/N92 facemasks
waterproof boots, work gloves
hazmat suitsor heavy-duty overalls
waterproof plastic bins
headlamps, flashlights, batteries

Construction Equipment
drywall, floorboards, Lumber
joints, insulation, wiring

Appliances
hot water heaters
refrigerators, stoves (gas or electric)
newer model personal computers
electric wheelchairs
generators

NOT NEEDED
Clothes (except socks, underwear, heavy winter coats)
Food (except baby food, pet food & bottled water)
Toys

In addition to accepting donations, the Occupy Sandy NJ Hub also has the capability (through the wonders of the internet) to dispatch skilled workers and volunteers to areas where they are needed. Usually they would come to the Hub, find out where they are needed, and transportation would be provided.

“Saturdays will be designated as Workday Saturdays, and we hope to have a van going to different shore points. Our Food Committee will be making bagged lunches, which will be provided for both the volunteers and the people they serve,” says Cindy.

PHILLY HUB FOR OCCUPY SANDY NJ
Philadelphia – Main Distribution Hub – Occupy Sandy NJ
Transport Workers Union Local 234
500 N. 2nd St. Philadelphia, PA 19123
Now open: M-S, 9-5
609-318-4271
Website: http://www.OccupySandyNJ.org/

Sylvia Platypus.

Many neighbors have been asking how they can help Hurricane Sandy victims and here’s a great opportunity. On Saturday, Nov. 10, “psycho-Celtic glam-blues band” Sylvia Platypus (Facebook page), along with a contingent of clowns, jugglers, dancers, face painters, sword swallowers, and fire spinners, will take over the Rotunda at 4014 Walnut St. for a circus-themed extravaganza with music, food, and spectacle to aid those affected by the superstorm.

“As Sandy hit the Caribbean, the suggestion for a hurricane relief concert was raised,” said Janet Bressler, vocalist and principal songwriter for Sylvia Platypus. “Then, the devastation arrived so close to home, and the choice became obvious.”

Sylvia Platypus has a “something-for-everyone” appeal that reaches across demographics and their visionary scope and fearless presentation are attracting increasing attention from both the public and the music industry. The band recently signed a publishing deal for film and TV placement of some of their compositions.

The show begins at 8 p.m. and suggested donation is $5 to $25+. For more information, visit therotunda.org or the event’s Facebook page.