The Cobble Hill Health Center has been a part of our community for over 30 years. When the CHHC experienced staggering losses in the spring, this community stepped up to show our support. Neighbors banded together to provided funds, meals, and PPE. We cheered at the 3 pm and 7 pm shift changes for months. From this cheering, a group of neighbors banded together to form the Brooklyn Kitchen Sink Band (BKKSB), playing random instruments, kitchenware, and recycling bins outside the CHHC nightly at 7 pm (now reduced to three nights a week out of respect for the neighbors).

With CHHC residents and staff having received both doses of the vaccine, a light is appearing at the end of the tunnel. The community wanted to mark this occasion with another expression of gratitude – but how do you thank people who protected your community’s most vulnerable residents during a global pandemic? They all deserve a vacation somewhere warm – but since they are stuck in cold NYC, how about a warm hoodie to get them through the winter?!

Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors, and in cooperation with the CHHC, the Cobble Hill Association gifted hoodies emblazoned with the CHHC logo to every CHHC staff member. On January 28, 2021, a small group gathered in front of the CHHC to present the staff with this gift. The BKKSB was there, as always, to express appreciation with an uplifting beat. Much to our pleasant surprise, all of the departments made posters thanking the community for our support of them.

It was a truly beautiful event, full of positive energy and mutual appreciation. Thank you to the CHHC for hosting, the BKKSB for jamming, this community for its overwhelming generosity, and as always, the CHHC staff members who continue their essential work.