Over the weekend, a community fridge that provided free food to New Yorkers in need in East Elmhurst was completely destroyed.
The fridge was set up by State Senator Jessica Ramos right outside her office, and she was shocked and saddened to find it completely emptied out and broken down on Saturday morning, January 2.
Community refrigerators have become a new staple in many NYC neighborhoods from Brooklyn to Queens since the pandemic began, to help make sure community members and their families are fed even if they are out of work. Dozens of volunteers worked to make sure the fridge was always running properly and continuously filled with nutritious food.
The community fridge outside our district office was vandalized and destroyed last night. So many of our neighbors depend on the generosity of other neighbors to get through these difficult times. Now this lifeline is gone. I’m heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/NACU1M5hI5
— Jessica Ramos (@jessicaramos) January 2, 2021
Fortunately though, as the community came together to run the fridge initially, they came together again to get the fridge back up and running asap! In just three days, they received over $35,000 in donations to help keep the community fridge stocked with food.
And, a local family-run repair business, GB Repairs, surprised them by stopping by and repairing the fridge.
It’s so heartwarming to see New Yorkers come together to take care of their own during these challenging times!
featured image source: Instagram / @_jessicaramos_