At a time when editor’s in-boxes are stuffed with elected officials and civic activists doing good deeds such as handing out food to essential medical workers and personal protective equipment (PPE), Steven Patzer stands apart.
Patzer, who is running to replace term-limited City Councilman (D-Coney Island, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend) in 2021, has delivered thousands of care packages donated by locals with an assortment of snacks, a mask, and COVID-19 information to public housing residents in Coney Island and Gravesend.
“I’m driving vans several times per week to pick up new donations of meals and masks,” he says. “We’ve delivered over 2,000 care packages thus far to Carey Gardens NYCHA, O’ Dwyer NYCHA, Gravesend Houses NYCHA, Coney Island Houses NYCHA, and Marlboro Houses NYCHA. Now, we have packaged and prepared 2,000 more to distribute.”
Last week, Patzer delivered 650 care packages to Haber Houses NYCHA and Surfside Gardens NYCHA in Coney Island door to door with the help of the Coney Island Guardian Angels.
Patzer’s Multimedia office has become an assembly line to produce care packages for NYCHA residents in Coney Island and Gravesend with the help of the Coney Island Warriors. Packages are delivered door to door by volunteers and Patzer himself in coordination with local tenant association presidents.
In between, he answers calls from neighbors needing help. He arranges food deliveries to those in need amongst many other requests from the community.
“I do my best with every request and almost all have been fulfilled,” says Patzer. “For many, I’m told the best part of the care packages is the card with my personal phone number and email on it. In high-risk groups, having someone they can depend on is essential during the quarantine. I’m here for them to run errands or make needed phone calls to government agencies and non-profits.”
Mark Meyer Appel, from The Bridge Multicultural & Advocacy Project, donated over 600 masks to the project. “Steven is a tireless, 24-hour worker for our communities in southern Brooklyn,” says Appel. “We need that energy at this time when so many seniors can’t leave their homes.”
“No one is alone in this pandemic,” says Patzer. “If you live in southern Brooklyn, call me at (929)320- 6201 if you need help. I will always do the best I can with what I have”.
