Thanksgiving is on Thursday, and there is no shortage of people or organizations making sure that those who need a turkey this holiday have one.
The Amazin Mets’ Foundation hosted its 11th annual MetsGiving Turkey Giveaway around the city Friday, including in Washington Heights with infielder Mark Vientos passing out the gobblers.
What You Need To Know
Thanksgiving is on Thursday, and there is no shortage of people or organizations making sure that those who need a turkey this holiday have one
The Amazin Mets’ Foundation hosted its 11th annual MetsGiving Turkey Giveaway around the city Friday, including in Washington Heights with infielder Mark Vientos passing out the gobblers
Over at Jamaica Hospital in Jamaica, Queens, elected leaders gave away turkeys and enough food they say will feed more than 100,000 first responders and other families
In Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn native and NFL player Titus Leo of the Philadelphia Eagles visited his former high school — United Charter High School for Advanced Math & Science — where he helped give away around 100 turkeys
“Giving back to the community and especially for Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving is to be with family and enjoying time with family,” Vientos said. “And seeing how everybody is getting turkeys with smiles on their faces is awesome.”
The organization plans to donate more than 8,700 turkeys this year.
Over at Jamaica Hospital in Jamaica, Queens, elected leaders gave away turkeys and enough food they say will feed more than 100,000 first responders and other families.
“It’s very appreciated,” Navindra Santram, an EMT lead at Jamaica Hospital, said. “It’s the little things that matter to us and this is actually very big. So it’s greatly appreciate and it’s with huge appreciation that we accept this.”
EMT Ruth LeBron agreed.
“It’s going to make it much better because now I don’t have to go purchase a turkey,” she said. “I have a turkey and I have some of the sides to go along with a turkey so I’m grateful and thankful.”
Over in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn native and NFL player Titus Leo of the Philadelphia Eagles visited his former high school — United Charter High School for Advanced Math & Science — where he helped give away around 100 turkeys.
In Harlem, hundreds of people showed up for a turkey giveaway. Some got in line at 7 a.m. for the event sponsored by The Children’s Village and elected leaders outside the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building on 125th Street.
Milagros Cortez said she got in line at 7 a.m. Friday for the event, which kicked off at 3 p.m.
“Because it’s a lot of people here for take the turkey,” she said.
“I am happy with what I’m getting,” Patricia Brown said. “Yes I am. Thank you, Jesus.”
“Oh I’m going to make a lot. I’ve already got roast pork. Turkey, collard greens, mac and cheese, and ham,” Brown added.
Volunteers at the Harlem event expected to give away between 800-1,000 turkeys.
“Hearing some of the people that we handed turkeys out to say they deserve love too,” said Matt Staubi of the Kulu Foundation, a city-based nonprofit. “And we totally feel that way about everyone.”
If you missed these events, Thanksgiving isn’t until next Thursday.
There are giveaways planned by many different organizations across the city in the days ahead.