CHELSEA ALEXANDER, known as indie rapper Chelsea Reject, has passed away, a key figure in the city’s underground hip-hop scene.

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HIP-HOP PIONEER Ralph McDaniels, creator of “Video Music Box,” will celebrate his 66th birthday at Brooklyn Bowl on Feb. 27.

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New York Cares distributed over 500 warm winter coats to Sunset Park residents in need on Sunday, Feb. 16, as part of its 36th Annual Coat Drive.

The event, held in partnership with the Chinese-American Planning Council, took place during a Lunar New Year celebration at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy on 6th Avenue. Volunteers handed out coats for men, women, and children, along with winter accessories, toys, and bags.

Hundreds of people filled the auditorium for the event, featuring cultural performances, a lion dance, raffles, and giveaways, including Year of the Snake plush toys and arts and crafts. Local Council Member Alexa Avilés also presented City Council citations to volunteers and supporters for their efforts.

“We’re completely honored and humbled to be invited into the Sunset Park community,” said Trevor DeMilt, Officer of Marketing and Innovation at New York Cares, during Sunday’s coat drive. “Obviously, on a cold and wet winter day like today, the need is apparent. So, we’re happy to be here and able to offer that to the Sunset Park community. “

The distribution event comes as New York Cares enters the final weeks of its annual coat drive, which aims to provide 85,000 coats to New Yorkers in need. So far, the organization is only halfway to its goal, with more than 200,000 residents still in need of warm winter clothing. The demand for coats continues to outpace supply, prompting an urgent call for donations.

Through March 15, New Yorkers can donate gently used, freshly laundered coats at FDNY battalions and public collection sites across the five boroughs. Financial contributions are also being accepted through the Coats+ fundraiser, which supports programs aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty. Volunteers are also needed to assist at distribution and collection sites.

Since its launch in 1989, New York Cares’ Coat Drive has provided warmth to more than 2.5 million New Yorkers. Last year alone, the organization distributed over 73,000 coats and served more than 300 schools and nonprofit organizations.

For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or contribute financially, visit New York Cares’ website at www.newyorkcares.org.