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by Angela Malizia 
Sue is kind, positive and a friend to all. She has helped with countless projects over the years. The list is long but to offer a glimpse of her dedication to helping others, her BH work includes Beach Cleanups, Coat Drives, Bicycle Helmet Giveaway, Starfish Squad, Soup Kitchen, Hurricane Relief and Zumba events. Sue is a both a leader and a supportive team player – showing by example, inspiring others to get involved and doing whatever is needed to help in ways that make others smile and feel cared for. 1. A WAY I ENJOY SPENDING MY TIME (ASIDE FROM VOLUNTEERING) I enjoy doing Zumba, hanging out with friends, watching movies or best of all playing with my nephew Dante. 2. ABOUT YOUR FIRST BH PROJECT: It was 2012 when I really became involved after doing the Timothy Coppola Helmet Drive (this was not my first BH project). The first project was Oct 2012 helping Michele Ayoub with the event for Al's Angels. Also after that I started doing Michele's Zumba class. 3. A MEMORABLE MOMENT They have all been memorable moments, but if I had to choose one it was Valentine’s Day at the soup kitchen. We gave a little boy a Yankee Pillow that I had gotten from my grandparents house after they had passed away and to just watch this young boy (probably about 9) and how he cherished it. 4. ABOUT BEING ON THE BH TEAM It is an honor to be a part of this team. Not only have I made new and amazing friends. I have re-connected with old friends. Also to know Ang and be by her side is truly a blessing. Her compassion and love are truly extraordinary. 5. IN A WORD (OR FEW) WHAT DOES BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN MEAN TO YOU? Community.
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by Angela Malizia  Did you ever go outside on a freezing cold day and realize you forgot your warm coat? Most likely you were able to go back and get it. Some people don’t have that warm coat waiting for them. You may have seen it? Perhaps it caught your eye at the store or online? Could it be one that hangs in your closet but you don’t wear it anymore? Or the one your child has grown out of? You will recognize it. It’s the one that has a special powers - to warm two people, inside and out. We have seen that warm coat’s ability first hand. During past coat drives, we have experienced moments filled with spontaneous hugs between giver and receiver. And we've also seen tears appear not just in the eyes of the recipient but also in the eyes of anyone near. Knowing someone cares in a time of despair can bring a special type of warmth and healing to someone’s heart. Maybe, to our own hearts. Do you have some warmth to share with someone who needs it this winter? You can be a part of it. Be inspired and inspire others. Be a Backyard Humanitarian this winter and provide that warm coat for someone. Give. Bring that warm coat to one of our community partner collection locations listed on our website. Collect. If you want to have your own BH coat collection, please contact us to register your drive. Volunteer. You can be part of the coordinating, collecting, sorting, delivering or giving. Request. Help get that warm coat to someone you know who needs one. This is Backyard Humanitarian's 7th Annual Coat Drive. Since, 2010, we have joined together to provide more than 5,000 people with warm coats. Be Cool, Keep Someone Warm! by Angela Malizia  Meet Kim, a Backyard Humanitarian who has volunteered for BH projects including; Holiday Gift Bags for Veterans, Coat Drives, Hope In Motion Cancer Walks, Hands for Life CPR Event, Jesse Lewis Playground Cleanup, BH Meals & Music at the Soup Kitchen and more. Kim's coat drive project with young students helped to inspire foundational ideas for our coat drive project development with other schools. Kim's genuinely warm, kind, easy going way makes all this work seem effortless but it takes a lot of dedication to accomplish so much and we are thankful for her and appreciate her valuable contributions! 1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN PROJECT? I had attended a few Zumba fundraisers but my first “work” was on the 2011 Coat Drive. I helped sort and tag coats at Mario’s Cleaners. 2.WHAT IS A FAVORITE OR MEANINGFUL BH MOMENT? After Hurricane Sandy, BH helped collect items that were needed in the Breezy Point area. I helped sort the items and then deliver to Breezy Point. Seeing the devastation there was mind blowing, it truly makes you realize you are lucky to have what you do. After delivering the items, they needed help sorting all that they already had. We had a good team of people there that offered to help and that meant so much to them, as we were able to do the work that would’ve taken them much longer. Knowing you were giving something to people that had nothing also really made me appreciate what I have. Having even a little is more than some people had then. 3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BEING A BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN? I love that I am helping people right here in Stamford. BH is comprised of the most caring people. I love that it doesn’t matter how much I can give, every little moment is worth something. 4. CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIAL BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN EXPERIENCE? I had helped prepare and serve lunch at the Soup Kitchen. It was such an emotional experience. Seeing all those people lined up to get something to eat really tugged at my heart, knowing they struggle for meals. I’m so happy Stamford offers a place where people can get a good free meal without any judgement. 5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY? I play soccer and softball. I enjoy going to the movies, relaxing on the couch, and spending time with my family and friends. I especially love getting to visit my nieces and nephews, whom all live out of state. 6. WHAT IS SOMETHING SPECIAL TO YOU ABOUT STAMFORD? I was born and raised in Stamford and love the diversity of this city. It has changed a lot over the years, but the community feel is there. Stamford offers a lot to do and see. 7. IN A WORD WHAT DOES BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN MEAN TO YOU? Caring! by Angela Malizia Meet Backyard Humanitarian, Rosie Burgos. Rosie has volunteered for many BH projects that include; Soup Kitchen, Flag Planting, Collection Drives & more. We are grateful to have her on our team. Rosie brings smiles to people's faces and to their hearts when she sings at our BH Meals & Music lunch services at the Soup Kitchen. Watch a video clip here and read more about Rosie below. 
1. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN PROJECT? 2011-2012 Coat Drive – I was going through a stressful time in my life & wanted to “do something”. I got involved w/BH through a friend. I didn’t have time to collect coats, but I was able to sign up at the time to hand them out at St. Luke’s. It was an uplifting experience to see what this organization was doing, and I wanted to be a part of it. 2. WHAT IS A FAVORITE OR MEANINGFUL BH MOMENT? Singing at the Soup Kitchen w/my friends Tor Newcomer & Bill Nollman. They liked it too. 3. WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BEING A BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN? What I like about being a BYH is being part of community that cares & doesn’t just say it, but means it. They say “actions speak louder than words”. This should be our mantra! Lol. 4. CAN YOU SHARE A SPECIAL BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN MOMENT OR EXPERIENCE? Planting the American flag w/the VFW Post 9617 is very special to me. I have had family members, friends & have met some new friends that served in the military. I think it’s very important to honor them in life & in death. They are my Heroes. 5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY? I love spending time w/my friends & family & singing. 6. WHAT IS SOMETHING SPECIAL TO YOU ABOUT STAMFORD? I am born & raised in Stamford. This is my home. I have visited a few places, but this is where I want to be. Even though it’s a big city now, it still has a “small town” charm about it. 7. IN A WORD WHAT DOES BACKYARD HUMANITARIAN MEAN TO YOU? Compassion by Angela Malizia Do you have a passion for helping others? You can be a Backyard Humanitarian and join our Warm Coat Drive. We are collecting coats for people right here in our community - all ages, all sizes. A warm coat is a vitally important need. Everyone should be able to have a warm coat, no matter what. Life is challenging. Hard times can fall on anyone at any moment. In these moments, there's an opportunity to do something kind and good. Right now is one of those times. Winter is on the way and you can help someone else directly. You can donate a warm coat. Many Backyard Humanitarians have been working to help coordinate volunteers and pickups and also collect and donate coats to make this annual drive successful. Schools, groups, companies and local businesses have joined our team. This kindness in action lifts the spirit. You can be a part of it. Be inspired and inspire others. The rewards for your efforts will be felt by you, those who are close to you, the community and beyond. Bring a warm coat to one of our community partner collection locations listed on our Backyard Humanitarian website. So far, BH Coat Drives are happening in various Connecticut towns; Stamford, Newtown and Easton and also in New Bern, North Carolina. You can see exactly where the coats are going. Please be sure your donated coat is clean and ready to wear because we want it to go right to its grateful new owner as soon as possible. Do you want to help by volunteering? You can be part of the coordinating, collecting, sorting, delivering or giving. Would you like to have a BH drive of your own? Support one of the listed communities or we can have a BH drive in your community. Do you need a coat or know of someone else who does? Email us to request your coat and coordinate. Our goal is to be able to collect enough coats to be able to give to everyone who needs one. To get involved in any way or ask questions, email us at [email protected]. All registered BH Coat Drives are listed on our website. Let’s help each other right here, right now. Together!   |
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