SnowSports Industries America (SIA) partnered with New York City-based charity Kids in Distressed Situations (K.I.D.S.) earlier this month to distribute winter apparel donations provided by the snow sports industry to hundreds of children in the Rockaways in Queens, NY at two separate gatherings -the Winter in May celebration and All-In Skateboard Event. The estimated value of documented donations from the 69 donor companies and individuals exceeded $100,000.


Representatives from the snow sports industry united during the 2013 SIA Snow Show in January and collected upwards of 5,000 pounds in winter apparel for the children and families impacted by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. The New Year New Start Sandy relief program was created in response to the lull in aid to Sandy victims heading into the New Year.


Collecting new winter apparel was a great way for the industry to use its unique resources to impact the lives of these children, said Tom McGann, president and CEO of Spyder, the company that spearheaded the New Year, New Start program.


Six months after the storm, many of victims needs are still unmet. It is never too soon to be prepared for cold weather, said Chris Blake, president of K.I.D.S, Especially for these families who have lost everything. While theyre still in the midst of rebuilding, processing insurance claims and navigating impassable streets, they at least dont have to worry about how to prepare for next winter.


The first distribution event celebrating Winter in May happened at the Far Rockaway Community Library on May 10. About two hundred families received winter clothing on a first-come, first-served basis and enjoyed the winter-themed sno-cones.


On May 14, the All In Skateboard Event at the Queens Library for Teens distributed athletic and skate shoes, many contributed by SIA members, to hundreds of kids from the Rockaways. The evening giveaway had refreshments, music and dancing to celebrate the coming of summer.


Thank you so much for the generous donation, said Kim McNeil-Capers of the Queens Library for Teens. Your donation made an immediate difference in the lives of the youth in the Rockaway community.


Visit Snowsports.org for a complete list of New Year New Start donors.