John,
First off, to all those who celebrate and observe Christmas — an early, merry Christmas to you. I hope you and your loved ones are celebrating safely, and wish you all good health and peace in the coming year.
But I also wanted to acknowledge today that this holiday season has been different, and difficult, for all of us. The holidays can be a tough season to navigate during a normal year — but as we know, 2020 has been anything but normal.
In my community of the Bronx and Westchester, families are still reeling from the coronavirus pandemic after being one of the hardest hit areas of the country in the spring. Millions of families are facing hunger, housing insecurity, and unemployment, all while the wealthy continue to profit off of this trauma and panic caused by the pandemic.
The events of this year have placed an incredible burden on food banks in our communities, with lines often wrapped around the block. That's why I'm asking you to join me today in supporting Feeding Westchester today, a community organization that runs mobile food pantries throughout the county. Will you chip in?
As we get deeper into the cold winter months and as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, food security will be more important than ever. Organizations like Feeding Westchester have the resources to rise to this challenge and help get food on our neighbors' tables, but they can't do it alone.
We've witnessed one unimaginable tragedy after another this year, with what seems like no end in sight. But I urge you to be radicalized by this year and these moments: to fight for what's right and true and — above all — to lead with love.
Thank you for being a part of this movement, John. Wishing you and your loved ones peace and love this holiday season.
Jamaal Bowman
