ANNOUNCING OUR INAUGURAL SQWM COSTUME DRIVE! The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated communities of color and exacerbated disparities. In addition to the countless lives lost, many households, especially single-family households were financially burdened. Women-headed households have borne the brunt of this financial strain. More times than not, hard decisions must be made just to make ends meet. Working class families who are grieving from the destruction of the pandemic find it difficult to simultaneously pay bills and find joy within their lives. At SQWM, we firmly believe that joy is a powerful act of resistance against capitalism that targets low-income Black and Brown lives. With the Halloween season approaching, we know that many families are forced to deny their children costumes because of lack of finances. Costumes are a small act of joy that can provide a child with a lot of happiness and SQWM wants to lessen that burden and ache for families. 

Through October 22nd, SQWM will be collecting new and gently used costumes to distribute to children ages 3 months to 17 years within South Queens. For those that are unable to donate costumes, but would still like to stand in solidarity with our mission, we are also collecting monetary donations to purchase new costumes for children. Solidarity is the foundation of community and any amount goes a long way to teaching children that joy does not have to be compromised. 

To donate, visit tinyurl.com/sqwmcostumedrive ! 

#solidaritynotcharity #mutualaid #communityisaverb