The Sled

After an 18 year old high school student lost his home, he was taken in by by a friend with a one-bedroom apartment. The Sled delivered an air mattress, bedding, and a month's worth of groceries to help them both as he transitions to a youth shelter. While support from the Sled can not fix systemic and ongoing struggles, we've seen the difference made by showing care when crisis hits. We can foster big hopes by making a small difference.

Canned Food Month may be coming to an end, but for food-insecure families, the need for nutritious, shelf-stable food never expires. For many, canned goods are a convenient pantry staple. But for others, they’re a vital source of nourishment—often the difference between having a meal or going hungry. At The Sled, food security isn’t just a monthly cause; it’s a year-round mission. We stock the pantries of alternative high schools and pre-K programs, providing meals to over 300 students every single day. We fill fridges for families in crisis, ensuring that no child has to worry about where their next meal will come from. Access to fresh food is a privilege many take for granted, but for thousands of New Yorkers, shelf-stable items like canned goods are essential. The work doesn’t stop when the month ends—because hunger doesn’t either. That’s a community service with a long shelf life.

Grateful beyond words for the incredible honor of ringing the NYSE Closing Bell on behalf of The Sled—a moment that shines a light on the thousands of NYC children we serve each year. Thank you to Tara Dziedzic and the NYSE for recognizing our mission and amplifying the urgency of our work. Right now, homelessness in NYC has surged by 100%, and 1 in 3 of those affected are children. These are the very kids The Sled helps directly, ensuring they have essentials, support, and hope. Proud to see this crisis receiving more attention through the powerful new film No Address, starring fellow New Yorkers Ashanti and William Baldwin (https://lnkd.in/ekdFSD3t). Awareness is the first step—action is the next. Let’s continue to show up for our city’s most vulnerable. ??

A fresh start should feel like home. Finally, after months in domestic violence shelters, a mother and her young daughter secured a place of their own. But vouchers for families transitioning to permanent housing don't cover basic homemaking needs—furniture, kitchen/bath essentials, or household supplies. The Sled provided this mother and daughter furniture, bedding, kitchen and cooking necessities, and household cleaning essentials. Because we believe a home is more than a roof over one's head: It's a a safe, comfortable place to rest one's head, and to create and share the meals that fuel a new beginning.

Three brothers living in a shelter were recently struggling with classroom attendance because they lacked proper clothing to weather the subfreezing temperatures during walks and waits for city transit to school. School officials reached out to the Sled to provide coats, sets of sweatshirts and sweatpants, and pairs of boots and sneakers for each of the boys. We delivered and they are now warmly outfitted to receive the uninterrupted instruction they rightfully deserve. The Sled believes that an education should not be contingent on the elements. We will continue to help our families and students weather the storms of their circumstances.

? Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day! ? At The Sled, kindness isn’t just a one-day event—it’s at the heart of everything we do. From fulfilling holiday wishes for over 1,200 NYC students to providing critical support for families facing crisis, our mission is to make sure that every child feels seen, supported, and celebrated. Each warm coat, new backpack, and carefully chosen gift represents more than just an item—it’s a message of hope and a reminder that someone cares. By rallying our community, donors, and volunteers, we’re turning small acts of generosity into life-changing moments for kids and families across the city. ?? On this day (and every day), we invite you to join us in spreading kindness—because together, we can build a world where no child is left behind.

The NYSE welcomes The Sled, the non-profit providing the urgent needs of housing insecure NYC public school children and their families, in ringing the Closing Bell!

Watch the Sled ring the Closing Bell of the NYSE for our non-profit work! https://lnkd.in/dYatHfSQ

Watch the News Segment highlighting The Sugarplum Sled as we deliver to PS 76 in the 2024 Holiday Season! https://lnkd.in/dKwTvTDT