According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 38th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner this year is higher than it was before the pandemic in 2019.
To alleviate the financial stress of Thanksgiving this year for residents in the Richmond Hill area, Council Member Lynn Schulman partnered with the Carpenters’ Contractor Alliance of Metropolitan New York and the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct to distribute free turkeys on Thursday, Nov 16.
Outside of the 102nd Precinct, a line of community members waited for their chance to grab a free Thanksgiving turkey just in time for the holiday. Carpenters donated 100 turkeys to the event and, by its end, there were only four left to give out.
One resident said they only had to walk down the block to receive their turkey and praised the precinct for having the event outside of their doors.
Schulman shared how even the turkey providers this year are having to pay more and being able to receive a turkey provides families of all backgrounds with some financial help.
“First of all, Richmond Hill is underserved and it’s a new part of my district,” said Schulman. “I felt it was really important, especially with this year where we have a lot of inflation.”
Captain Jeremy R. Kivlin, the 102nd Precinct’s commanding officer, participated in the event, helping to hand out turkeys.
“Policing is more than just stopping crimes, it’s about giving back to the community,” Kivlin told QNS.
The 102nd Precinct is also hosting a Holiday Toy Drive, with donations accepted until Tuesday, Dec. 5. Another community event featuring a decorated precinct with lights and hot chocolate for visitors is expected to take place on Tuesday, Dec. 12, with the help of the Brian “Smiles” Simonsen Foundation.
Schulmann represents the neighborhoods of Rego Park, Richmond Hill, Forest Hills, and Kew Gardens in the City Council.
