By Bill Parry
With Thanksgiving Day fast approaching, state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) along with several elected officials and Woodside on the Move Tuesday donated more than 1,000 turkeys to community and faith-based organizations, senior and day care centers and schools. Peralta’s sixth annual Turkey Drive provided meals to families in need throughout his district.
“This is a time to give thanks and reflect,” Peralta said. “We organized this turkey drive with the only intention of giving back to the community, to help those that are struggling. Many hardworking families are going through some real tough economic times and providing them a free turkey will allow them to enjoy a decent holiday meal.”
Many of the 10-to-14 pound turkeys were distributed from his office on Junction Boulevard, and the rest were picked up at various establishments across his district, including Food Universe, Food Bazaar and Foodtown.
“Thanksgiving is a day when we as Americans come together with loved ones to celebrate and reflect upon the things for which we are grateful — no family should have to miss out on this tradition because they cannot afford a Thanksgiving meal,” Assemblyman Michael DenDekker (D-East Elmhurst) said. “By distributing these turkeys throughout the community, Woodside on the Move, Senator Peralta and I hope that we can help more families enjoy a stress-free and fulfilling Thanksgiving.
For this year’s drive, Peralta and his collaborating partners more than doubled the number of turkeys donated compared to last year and more organizations took part in the effort as well.
“Falling on hard times means making tough sacrifices, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Thankfully the organizations who have partnered with us do an incredible job making sure that each donated turkey finds its way to those who could benefit the most so they don’t miss out on this yearly tradition,” Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) said. “I’m grateful to everyone who made this drive possible and lent their hand in making this holiday season brighter for their neighbors.”
Foodtown, PLS, Fidelis Care, the York Group, Affinity and the Ferrari Driving School were all co-sponsors.
“Giving Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need is not just about food, it is also a way to reach out and share the holiday with fellow New Yorkers,” Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas (D-Astoria) said. “This is a way to help families come together around a warm and festive meal that satisfies our universal need for companionship and love.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
