Northeast News

New York continues to stand tall months after the World Trade Center Twin Towers crashed to the earth during the Sept. 11 tragedy. Thanks to cleaners, especially one in particular, rescue workers of the city can also remain clean.

Bok Soon Kim, a member of the Neighborhood Cleaners Association, has donated the services of her plant, Penn Plaza Cleaners, in order to offer free cleaning of the uniforms of police, fire, rescue and other service workers. The plant, which is located in the heart of the Penn Station/Madison Square Garden complex in New York, NY, began advertising the volunteer service shortly after the devastating attack.

Within the first week, the business rushed to process about 200 garments. In all, over 300 garments have been cleaned.

NCA recognized Kim’s efforts in its monthly Bulletin publication, stating, “Ms. Kim and her staff are a credit to our industry. Their spirit of giving is an example we can all be proud to emulate.”

NCA is encouraging other cleaners to assist in the effort by giving local rescue workers the option of donating the cost of cleaning their work clothes to the Twin Towers Fund, originally established by Mayor Rudolph Guliani, who has promised to administer the fund after he leaves his elected office.

The Twin Towers Fund assists the families of police, firefighters, EMS workers and others involved in the recovery effort.

NCA members who wish to participate can send a donation to the following address: Twin Towers Fund, GPO Box 26999, New York, NY 10087-6999.

For more information, contact NCA by calling (212) 967-3002 or visit the association’s web site at www.nca-i.com.

The North East Fabricare Association has announced early plans for its Fabricare Image 2002 convention, scheduled to take place March 23-24 at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI.

The venue will be a change of pace for NEFA who anticipates a bigger show since the Rhode Island Convention Center offers more exhibit space that what has been available in the past.

Exhibitors who wish to learn more information about the show should contact Peter Blake, NEFA’s executive vice president, by calling (800) 683-6332 or visit www.nefabricare.com.