By Jill Colvin
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
MANHATTAN — Pass the collection pot.
The city is seeking donations from the public to help bolster funding for its summer jobs program after deep cuts in federal and state funding, Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Friday.
The city program provides thousands of young people with the chance to get jobs and training.
The department has already received over 80,000 online applications for just 23,000 slots so far, and expects to reach 200,000 by its May 27 deadline.
"We’re making every effort to have as many young people work this summer as possible," Department of Youth and Community Development Commissioner Jeanne Mullgrav told WOR's John Gambling on the mayor's weekly radio show.
"We are concerned that working parents may not have the resources that they need if we don’t have a robust summer youth employment program," she said.
So far, about 18 companies have signed up for the program, including Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, Verizon, American Airlines and the Empire State Building, the mayor said. In all, they have contributed $3 million to the program, a spokesman for the department said.
Mullgrav also urged residents to chip in.
"We know that New Yorkers are generous. And so they should call 311. They can go to NYC.gov and look up the Mayor's fund ... and contribute," she urged.
"An individual can spend $1,500 bucks and have a seven-week job for a kid over the summer," she said.
Some of the companies that have donated, including Bloomingdale’s and CVS, will be hiring kids to work for them. Others will be placed in jobs at local businesses, museums, libraries and parks.
"A lot of kids need jobs," said Bloomberg, who described the effort as likely the first of its kind in the nation."
"People say you’ve got to do more with less. Well that’s what (Mullgray) is trying to do."
Young people between the ages of 14 and 24 interested in the summer jobs program can apply online.
