The committee that keeps on giving back in kindness

When the St. Nicholas Home in Bay Ridge celebrated resident Catherine Allocca’s 106th birthday on March 19, the Bay Ridge Community Council’s Acts of Kindness Committee gave her a birthday card, balloons and a pink/purple flower bouquet, also bringing 120 shamrocks to the residents for St. Patrick’s Day.

The committee consists of Vincent Bocchino, BRCC president; Joan Curran and Linda Orlando, co-chairs; Roseann Miller; Robert Kassenbrock; Josephine Giammarino; Eileen Potter and Madeline Sbarra.

“We were very pleased to be invited to the party by [the St. Nicholas Home] and it actually made us very happy to do that and be at the nursing home, where people were very happy to see us,” said Curran.

They had planned for the occasion since February, according to Curran, who commended fellow members Giammarino – for arranging a meeting room at the Guild Home for Exceptional Children to discuss party plans – and Miller, for volunteering to drive to Ben’s Florists, where the plants were purchased.

The committee meets twice yearly and likes to visit hospitals and nursing homes. Last year, members went to Fort Hamilton Veteran’s Hospital, where they donated 100 bags of toiletries and games.

Curran said the group was delighted to assist Bay Ridge residents.

“We’re very grateful to live in Bay Ridge and take care of our own,” said Curran. “That’s what the BRCC is all about. We’re very community-minded. Bay Ridge not only is a community that gives out kindness, but is paid back in kindness, which we’re grateful for.”