Liu, Flushing BID Director Join In Starbucks Celebration

City Councilmember John Liu and Mabel Law, Downtown Flushing Transit Hub BID executive director, helped make the holidays merry and bright by donating toys to the Starbucks Holiday Angels Joy Drive, during the grand opening celebration of the new Starbucks store in Douglaston. Now through December 25, individuals are encouraged to donate new toys and books at local Starbucks stores to benefit the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation.

City Councilmember John Liu assisted the new Starbucks at Douglaston Plaza, 242-02 61st Ave., Douglaston in celebrating its grand opening on Wednesday, December 14. With Starbucks’ partners (employees), Liu offered samples of favorite holiday beverages and treats, including Peppermint Mocha coffee, Starbucks’ 21st annual holiday blend, and other seasonal favorites.

Liu and Mabel Law, Downtown Flushing Transit Hub Business Improvement District (BID) executive director, also donated new, unwrapped toys to the 2005 Holiday Angels Joy Drive conducted by the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation. Books and toys collected during the new store event, and throughout the holiday season will be delivered to local hospitals supported by the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, a non-profit organization that transforms the lives of seriously ill children and their families through imaginative programs that educate, uplift their spirits, foster a sense of community, and help alleviate the pain and fear of prolonged illness.

City Councilmember John Liu, joined by Starbucks store manager Romay Austin, serves the ceremonial “First Espresso Pour” during the grand opening celebration of the new Starbucks store in Douglaston December 14. Visitors at the new store were treated to samples of holiday beverages and performances by local musicians as part of the festivities.

Starlight Starbright offers an impressive array of in-hospital, outpatient, school and home based programs and services that touch the lives of more than 180,000 children and families each month. During the 2004 holiday season, more than 99,000 books and toys were collected from the New York metropolitan area.