Forest Hills, NY – Local officials, including Congressmember Grace Meng, Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, Councilmember Lynn Schulman, Senator Joe Addabbo, and Queens Community Board 6 announced Wednesday they would be partnering on a rain barrel distribution event to take place at the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School (MELS) on Sunday, August 21 at 10am, in order to provide residents with a convenient and environmentally friendly way to store water.

The barrels were secured through partnership with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), with 100 barrels acquired to be given away on Sunday. It was noted that barrels could be reserved in advance of the event by contacting Assemblyman Hevesi’s Chief of Staff, Alexa Arecchi by emailing areccha@nyassembly.gov or calling (718) 263-5595.

“It’s important that we all work to preserve natural resources and leave a more sustainable, resilient planet behind for future generations. This event will give people the opportunity to prevent water waste and provide a more convenient option for home and garden maintenance.” said Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi.