The Force 4 Kids

03/29/2026

Taking a moment to share this with the community.

This season, in its own way, is a time of renewal, reflection, and new beginnings. However you connect to it, I hope it meets you with peace, grace, and exactly what you need.

Grateful for each of you here and for the ways you continue to show up for yourselves, for one another, for our world.

With gratitude,
Elaine

12/28/2025

With gratitude for our community and partners near and far. Wishing you peace, health, and brighter days in the year ahead.

12/12/2025

Holiday Toy & Backpack Drive | Give Joy Where It’s Needed Most 🎒

This holiday season, The Force 4 Kids is partnering again with Children’s Aid Society to support children and youth from infancy through age 21 who may not receive gifts or basic school supplies this year.

For many families, the holidays can feel heavy. A simple toy, a backpack filled with supplies, a warm coat, or a game can make a real difference and remind a child that they are seen, valued, and cared for.

We are collecting new, unwrapped items:
• Toys
• Backpacks with school supplies
• Coats and winter items
• Games and age-appropriate gifts

Delivery / Drop-off location:
Children’s Aid
117 West 124th Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10027

Please label deliveries:
Holiday Drive + The Force 4 Kids
Attn: Elaine Hamilton

Donation deadline: Before or morning of, December 18, 2025

If you’re able to give, share, or connect us with others who can help, we would be deeply grateful. Community care matters. Showing up matters. Together, we can bring warmth and smiles to children who need it most.

Thank you for your comtinued support, and being part of the village

With gratitude,
Elaine Hamilton
Co-Founder, The Force 4 Kids
212-470-0514
[email protected]

11/18/2025

STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS:
If you or someone you love is struggling with student loans, or needs info on student loans join this free session happening right now.

💡 The Student Loan Doctor LLC is hosting a live Zoom on loan forgiveness, repayment options, PSLF eligibility, and how to protect yourself in this new repayment season.

They’re one of the top experts in the country and this information can literally save people thousands.

Tonight: November 17, 2025
Starts at 8:00 PM EST (still live)

Join here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81796756730?pwd=M84eE3QeghDtTFGYWkfLoYhuEHQuPN.1
ID: 817 9675 6730
Passcode: 728189

Just click the link and join directly.

Share this with anyone who needs it. Financial clarity is a blessing.

Follow them
https://www.instagram.com/thestudentloandoctor?igsh=c3htZGp3bmlma3Qy

Zoom is the leader in modern enterprise cloud communications.

11/03/2025

Community Resource Share: Food Access Support

As many of you know, food stamp (SNAP) benefits have been affected by the ongoing government shutdown.

Over the past few days, I came across a few additional food access resources, did some research to confirm them. Sharing here in case it helps you or someone you know.

No one should ever have to choose between feeding their family or paying bills. Let’s keep each other informed and supported.

⸻

Verified Food Access Resources (U.S.)

Flashfood
https://flashfood.com/
Buy groceries at reduced rates from local stores. Download the app for your area.

Free Baby Formula Exchange
https://lnkd.in/guFVPsvY
Connects families who need baby formula with those who have extra, no paperwork or income proof required.

Project FoodBox (Medically Tailored Groceries)
https://lnkd.in/gXpDUtMq
Groceries designed by registered dieticians. May be free through your health insurance plan, ask your provider for a referral.

Too Good To Go
https://lnkd.in/gqkqYrhz
Buy (or sometimes get free) surplus food from local restaurants and stores that would otherwise go to waste.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (USDA)
https://lnkd.in/ghcgv6iB
Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gVBhGnTj
Provides free meat, produce, and staples. Income thresholds are higher than SNAP, so more people qualify.

Olio
https://olioapp.com/en/
A sharing app where neighbors and local businesses post free meals or groceries for pickup.

Free or Low-Cost Produce
https://lnkd.in/gJe6BfuD
Links to produce programs by state.

Free Period Supplies
https://lnkd.in/gQ5xbqBh
Find free menstrual and hygiene supplies by location.

National Helpline (U.S. & Canada)
Dial 211
Connects you to free local resources for:
- Food, rent, diapers, clothing
- Utilities, medical, childcare, mental health support

⸻

New York City, New Jersey & Long Island Resources

NYC Food Pantries by Borough
https://www.nyc.gov/site/dycd/services/food_pantries.page

Plentiful App
https://plentifulapp.com/

City Harvest Food Map
https://www.cityharvest.org/food-map/

Community FoodBank of New Jersey (by ZIP code)
https://cfbnj.org/find-foods-services/

Island Harvest (Long Island)
https://www.islandharvest.org/

Coupon & Savings Guide;
- AARP Foundation
- Learn to use digital coupons (like Krazy Coupon Lady) and rebate apps (like Ibotta) for groceries.

Please feel free to pass this on to families, your community, students or colleagues if you’d like.

Let me know what else I can add.

(list credit: multiple sources and online research)

————

Why I’m Sharing This

I know how hard it can be when you’re doing your best but resources fall short. If this can help even one family, please share, tag someone, or repost. Let’s make sure no one faces hunger alone.

Access to food is a human right, not a luxury.

Warmly,
Elaine Hamilton
Co-Founder
The Force 4 Kids

10/23/2025

NY Voting info / Para votantes en NY

📌📌📌📌
ESPAÑOL

Un recordatorio importante:
La votación anticipada en NYC comienza ESTE sábado, 25 de octubre. El Día de las Elecciones es el martes, 4 de noviembre

Si piensas votar anticipadamente, aquí tienes todo lo que necesitas saber. Por favor, comparte esto con su familia, amistades y vecinos. Muchas personas aún no saben qué hay en la boleta o cómo prepararse para votar. Esta información puede ayudarnos a todos a llegar con confianza y bien informados.

DÓNDE VOTAS ANTICIPADAMENTE?
Cada persona tiene un sitio de votación asignado. Puedes verificar el tuyo aquí:
https://vote.nyc/es

NECESITAS VOTAR POR CORREO?
Si tú o alguien de tu familia no estará en Nueva York durante el proceso electoral, puede solicitar una boleta para votar por correo.
La fecha límite para solicitarla es el 25 de octubre.
Hazlo aquí:
https://www.nycvotes.org/es/como-votar/votacion-anticipada/

NO SABES POR QUIÉN VOTAR? (Fuentes no partidistas)
Estas páginas te ayudan a comparar candidatos de forma clara:

- https://www.vote411.org/es → Compara candidatos ingresando tu dirección
• https://www.votesmart.org (en inglés)
• https://ballotpedia.org/Mayoral_election_in_New_York,New_York(2025) (en inglés)
• https://www.naacpldf.org/research-candidates-state-local-elections/ (en inglés)

QUÉ HAY EN LA BOLETA?
Este año hay 6 propuestas importantes además de la elección para alcalde, defensor público, contralor y más.
Infórmate aquí antes de votar:
https://www.nycvotes.org/es/que-hay-en-la-boleta/2025-eleccion-general-de-noviembre/

Comparte esta información con quienes la necesiten.
No necesitas saberlo todo, solo tener la voluntad de aprender y presentarte. Así es como transformamos nuestras comunidades.

Votemos con propósito y poder.

Con cariño y amor,
Elaine

—————————————————

📌📌📌
English

Just a quick reminder that Early Voting in NYC starts THIS Saturday, October 25, and Election Day is Tuesday, November 4.

If you’re voting early here’s everything you need to know, and please share this with your friends, and community too. A lot of people still feel unsure about what’s on the ballot or how to prepare, so this can help everyone walk in informed and confident.

FIND YOUR EARLY VOTING LOCATION
This is assigned, Ppl can check here:
https://vote.nyc/

NEED A MAIL-IN BALLOT?
If someone won’t be in NY they can vote by mail, apply for the ballot now (deadline is Oct 25):
nycvotes.org/how-to-vote/early-voting (https://www.nycvotes.org/how-to-vote/early-voting/

DON’T KNOW WHO TO VOTE FOR? START HERE (NON-PARTISAN)
https://www.vote411.org
Compare candidates side by side

https://www.votesmart.org
Honest info on candidates’ stances and records

ballotpedia.org (https://ballotpedia.org/Mayoral_election_in_New_York,_New_York_(2025)
Full breakdown of NYC mayoral race

naacpldf.org (https://www.naacpldf.org/research-candidates-state-local-elections/
Especially helpful for local/state research

WHAT’S ON THE BALLOT?
There are 6 important ballot proposals this year, many people skip these or aren’t sure what they mean.

Read what you’re voting on here:
nycvotes.org/whats-on-the-ballot/2025-november-general-election (https://www.nycvotes.org/whats-on-the-ballot/2025-november-general-election/

Please forward this info to anyone who needs it. You don’t need to know everything, just be willing to learn and show up. That’s how we shift things.

Let’s vote with purpose and power.

Con carino y amor,
Elaine

Meet the candidates, how to cast your ballot, and why your vote matters.

07/18/2025

14 Films and Television Shows With Strong Role Models for Girls in STEM.

Though history is peppered with women scientists and mathematicians, they are still under-represented in the STEM fields. Want to encourage your daughter to pursue her passions? These shows provide role models that will inspire her.

04/18/2025

Today marks seven years since our beloved co-founder and brother in spirit, David Sostre, transitioned from this world. His legacy continues to inspire courage, truth, and love in action.

David showed us what it meant to lead with heart, to speak truth even when it was hard, and to show up fully, flaws and all. His presence lives on within the acts of service, and voice raised for justice.

Thank you, David, for your vision, your strength, and for always encouraging us to walk boldly.

We honor you and continue the work we started over 20 years ago with integrity, purpose, and joy.

Rest in peace, dear brother. You are still making a difference.

With gratitude,
Elaine Hamilton
Co-Founder, The Force 4 Kids

03/29/2025

🚨 Last Call for the GOC She Leads Scholarship! 🚨

Our "She leads" Scholarship Sponsored by us and EssayPro is closing in less than a week! If you're a woman of color pursuing higher education, this is your chance to apply!

Essay Prompt:
In 250-500 words, discuss the significant challenges faced by women of color pursuing higher education and outline your plans to address and overcome these challenges. Show your leadership qualities and merit!

Eligibility:
-Open to high school seniors or current undergraduates who self-identify as women.
-Applicants must identify as women of color or have a background in Hispanic/Latino, African American, Asian, Middle Eastern, or Native American communities.
-Must intend to enroll in an undergraduate program in the US or in the semester following high school graduation in fall 2025.
-Open to US citizens, permanent residents, international students, and undocumented students.

💗 Deadline:
The clock is ticking! Apply today before it's too late!
Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gJ4qivHd

02/08/2025

Special Deal - Kids Acting Camp at Tribeca PAC - Feb. 18 to 22 - BMCC Student Discount Good for Friends & Family. Interested?

For more great events, please visit the websute below.
https://tribecapac.org/

Tribeca PAC is located on the 199 Chambers Street campus, New York, NY 10007

BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center

01/19/2025

Calling all NYC high school students looking to explore the medical fields! Lmk how it goes.

The Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE) is offering opportunities this summer for NYC public and charter high school students to build skills, connect with peers, and prepare for your future! Join for two virtual informational sessions on January 23rd and February 5th

The three programs for Summer 2025 include:
• Introduction to Bioinformatics (hybrid)
• Medical and Scientific Exploration (hybrid)
• Internship Placement Program (fully in-person)
These programs are open to 9-11th graders, with the internship program available for 11th graders only.

Have any questions? Join for two virtual informational sessions on January 23rd and February 5th by emailing [email protected].

01/03/2025

Job post: LOVE TO SWIM?
ASPHALT GREEN IS HIRING
SWIM INSTRUCTORS!
STARTING AT $23/HOUR WITH JOB ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES UP TO $27/HOUR!