11/25/2025
If you think affordability and food scarcity are not issues, think again. Last night, Senator Siela Bynoe, Legislator-elect Viviana Russell, and I held our annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway. When we first started this event, we collected and distributed 100 turkeys, and everyone who came left with one. Over time, the number of donated turkeys grew to 150. Last year, our sponsors contributed 250, and we set a record by giving them all away. No one left empty handed.
This year, we collected 400 birds and thought we might finally have more than we needed. Instead, every turkey was gone within 45 minutes. The genuine need of the recipients, along with their gratitude, was etched on their faces. We ended the night eight turkeys short, but those families will receive their turkeys today.
I want to thank our student volunteers, the AKA Sorority, staff from the Westbury School District, and our generous sponsors: Island Harvest, Omni Recycling, Jamaica Ash, the Joe Stasi family, Green Acres Mall, and Community Connections LI.
Happy Thanksgiving to all!