STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The Council for Unity, My Sister’s Keeper and My Brother’s Keeper united to host their annual “Give Grub, Get Grub” Family Night on Wednesday evening at Tottenville High School.
The event brought together students, their families and community members for an evening of food, fun and, above all, service. Attendees were asked to bring three non-perishable food items to gain entry.
All donations collected went directly to Project Hospitality to support families facing food insecurity across Staten Island ahead of the holiday season.
Student-led organizations collected non-perishable items while offering games, raffles and community dinner to hundreds of Staten Island families.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
Project Hospitality is a Staten Island nonprofit that provides food, shelter and other resources to those in need.
The Council for Unity is a New York-based nonprofit organization that has been building safer schools and communities for 50 years by empowering youth to lead with purpose, resolve conflict and create positive change.
Darlene Boylan, of Tottenville, attended the event to support her son, Dylan, who is a senior at the school.
“This is a spectacular event,” Boylan said. “It’s my first year coming here and it’s beautiful — the food, atmosphere and staff members, including my son, who is helping out.”
From the left, Charles Boylan, Darlene Boylan, and Diane Kent enjoyed the festivities at “Give Grub, Get Grub” family night at Tottenville High School.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
Students from Tottenville High School’s Council for Unity, My Sister’s Keeper and My Brother’s Keeper programs, alongside staff, organized, served and hosted the community dinner event.
“I believe that giving back to the community is one of the best things a human being could do,“ said William Luque, a My Brother’s Keeper fellow. “I like to do this because it’s satisfying to see the smile on people’s faces whenever you do something to make their day.”
Anthony Acevedo, left, and William Luque call out the winner of a free turkey at “Give Grub, Get Grub,” family night inside of Tottenville High School.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
“We’re so thankful and grateful for your donations and just for you showing up; We hope you enjoy the food,” said Council for Unity advisor Hagar Abuella, noting that almost 300 students were involved in running the event.
The event collected hundreds of pounds of food and featured lively games, raffles, a photo booth and an “I am thankful for…” wall.
Diane Kent, of Dongan Hills, found out about the event on Facebook and took the Staten Island Railway to donate her non-perishable goods to the school.
“I love the idea that you had to bring some non-perishable food,’’ she said. ”I don’t have any kids in school. I think it’s extraordinary. These kids did a great job; the food is delicious and it’s plentiful.”
Kent won a thanksgiving turkey in a raffle.
Diane Kent poses with the free turkey she won in a raffle at “Give Grub, Get Grub.”Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
My Sister’s Keeper and My Brother’s Keeper are New York City Department of Education initiatives that empower young women and men of color through leadership, mentorship and academic success.
“This is the second year we’re doing this and we’re going to continue doing this for many years to come,” said teacher Anthony Acevedo.
Student-led organizations collected non-perishable items while offering games, raffles and community dinner to hundreds of Staten Island families.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
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