MHHC Wraps the Bronx in Warmth

On January 31, 2025, MHHC (Morris Heights Health Center) hosted its annual "Wrapped in Care: Coat Giveaway" event at 85 W. Burnside Avenue, Bronx, NY. Partnering with the offices of Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia and Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, MHHC demonstrated its unwavering commitment to the Bronx community by distributing warm coats, scarves, socks, providing hot chocolate, and sharing vital community resources. Over 250 families attended the event, braving the cold temperatures to ensure their loved ones would stay warm for the remainder of the winter. 

This year’s event is critical as the Bronx faces some of the harshest winter conditions in recent years. Families were greeted with smiles, warm beverages, and a sense of hope. MHHC’s President and CEO, Mari G. Millet, highlighted the initiative's importance: “The frigid temperatures we’ve experienced this season have made it clear how essential these efforts are. We are doing everything in our power to ensure families in our community have the resources they need to stay warm and safe.” 

The "Wrapped in Care" event was more than just a coat giveaway. It was a reflection of MHHC’s continuous efforts to find innovative and meaningful ways to take care of the community. From addressing immediate needs like warmth during the winter to providing access to long-term health and wellness services, MHHC is committed to meeting the diverse needs of Bronx residents. In addition to distributing coats, scarves, and warm socks, the event included: 

• Hot Chocolate Stations: Providing warm and comforting treat to families as they waited for their turn. 

• Community Resource Tables: Sharing information on local services, including housing assistance, healthcare access, and nutritional support programs. 

• Health Services Information: Highlighting MHHC’s wide range of services, including behavioral health, HIV prevention, and food insecurity initiatives. 

For many attendees, the event was a lifeline during challenging times. One Bronx resident shared, “This coat giveaway is a blessing for my family. It’s wonderful to know there are people who care about us during these cold months. The support we’ve received today means so much.” 

Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia and Councilmember Pierina Sanchez also played pivotal roles in making the event a success. Their collaboration with MHHC underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing urgent community needs. By pooling resources and efforts, they ensured that the Bronx’s most vulnerable residents received much-needed support during this harsh winter. 

As the Bronx community continues to face challenges brought by economic hardship and extreme weather, MHHC remains steadfast in its mission to serve as a pillar of support. Mari G. Millet emphasized, “We will continue to do everything in our power to care for our neighbors and ensure that no one in our community has to face the cold alone.”