Every Thursday, beginning at 7 p.m., throughout July and August, interested parties can donate new and gently used clothing at the restaurant in exchange for half price drinks.
“We just thought it was a good way to be able to give back to the community,” Eastside Grill co-owner Ed Moon said.
He added his co-owners, brother-in-law Mike Sullivan and wife Maureen, who both grew up in the Throggs Neck area, were seeking ways to involve the neighborhood in goodwill efforts.
“It’s important that you give back so people don’t think you’re just there to take their money,” Moon explained.
All donated professional dress items will be given to Dress for Success, a not-for-profit organization that provides low-income women with interview clothing, confidence boosts and career development training.
“If people bring in other clothes, we’ll donate them to other Catholic charities,” Moon said.
Following their clothing drive kick off, on July 4, Moon added the Eastside Grill gave customers the opportunity to not only celebrate the holiday with fine dining, and an extended menu that now includes burgers and sandwiches as dinner selections, but also to give independent gratitude to the United States armed forces.
Collaborating with Hugs for Soldiers, a not-for-profit that sends care packages and inspirational messages to overseas troops, Moon offered visitors the chance to create a unique card to send and thank them for their service.
“It was something we could do on the Fourth of July that was easy and fun to do,” Moon explained.
Since Eastside Grill opened in mid-March, Moon said it’s been a real pleasure doing business in the neighborhood.
“It’s been very exciting to be in the area,” he commented, “and a lot of people have been very excited to have us here, which is really great.”
Eastside Grill will be celebrating its official grand opening on Friday, July 25, featuring musical entertainment from the band Cover Story.
For more information, call (718) 829-4400.
