The spirit of giving started gearing up in mid-November with elected leaders and community organizations gathering food to distribute to those needing help in providing Thanksgiving for their families.
On November 17, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso hosted a Thanksgiving food distribution event at Brooklyn Borough Hall in partnership with UA3 and Hispanic Federation. Staff distributed over 50,000 pounds of fresh produce, non-perishables, and other food items to more than 140 houses of worship, community kitchens, and other community-based organizations addressing food insecurity and homelessness. The distribution event was made possible by the support of National Grid, Citizens, Wegmans, Hunts Point Produce Market, Optimum, and Ponce Bank.
“Thanksgiving is a reminder to slow down, practice gratitude, and enjoy the company of loved ones. However, for many Brooklynites, the holiday can exacerbate the hardships of food insecurity,” said Reynoso. “While we have much work to do to ensure that no New Yorker goes hungry any day of the year, I’m so grateful to our incredible partners and my staff for putting delicious and nutritious food on holiday tables all over our borough. I wish all of Brooklyn a very joyous Thanksgiving!”
Also on November 17, NYS Assembly Member Maritza Davila provided 200 families with their Thanksgiving main course in Bushwick. “My office distributed 140 perniles [Latin American pork roast] and 60 chickens at our Bushwick Thanksgiving Giveaway. Thank you to La Nueva Esperanza, Himrod Sounds, and Knight’s Collision for making event possible, as well as our volunteers for helping it run smoothly!
The assembly member also helped sponsor the NYPD’s (Housing PSA 3 and 90th Precinct), who provided more than 200 families with Turkeys. BJs Wholesale Club #143, Western Beef, and Reliant Partners in Security were additional sponsors.
Williamsburg Houses (NYC Housing Authority) also gave out turkeys and hams to their residents on November 21.
Cooper Park Houses (NYC Housing Authority) also gave out turkeys and hams to their residents on November 21.
Students of Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Academy (SSKCA) collected canned and shelf-stable food and turkeys to give to Trinity Human Services and North Brooklyn Angels.
Also on November 21, Churches United For Fair Housing (CUFFH) partnered with Center for Popular Democracy and Madison Group to host their annual Turkey Fried Mission. They delivered hundreds of deep-fried turkeys to families without stoves and 2000+ additional uncooked turkeys to families in need.
“CUFFH is committed to fighting for housing justice throughout the year. We know very well that the housing fight is long, and progress often feels impossible. Today is a moment to recognize that our people are hungry right now, and a tangible opportunity to ensure our entire community feels cared for by having a meal on Thanksgiving day. Our entire network of churches, elected officials, and local restaurants and businesses are grateful for the opportunity to show up for our neighbors for the 10th year in a row at CUFFH’s Turkey Fried Mission,” said Rob Solano, executive director and co-founder of CUFFH.
St. Nicks Alliance started its Holiday Food Drive in early November and it continues through December 31. You can donate canned goods and shelf-stable pantry items at several locations around the community from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.: 2 Kingsland Avenue, 211 Ainslie, 306 Union Avenue, 260 Powers Street, Capri Jet Realty 533 Metropolitan Avenue, and 790 Broadway.
The season of giving has just begun. Opportunities to give are all around.
The Greenline 