On November 26, 2023, Cardinal Timothy Dolan and representatives from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York officially commenced the Thanksgiving season by distributing food to families in need. The event took place at St. Patrick’s Cathedral following Sunday Mass and is part of a larger initiative expected to provide meals for over 3,000 families this holiday season.
Standing next to a 21-foot truck filled with approximately 7,000 pounds of food, Cardinal Dolan emphasized the charitable spirit of the community. “We filled a food truck with food to feed those without,” he stated, referring to the truck adorned with the phrases “Feeding our Neighbors” and “100 years providing help, creating hope.” This traditional ceremony aims to raise awareness and encourage participation in the ongoing food distribution efforts.
Community Support and Outreach
The Thanksgiving food distribution began the week prior and continues throughout this week. Cardinal Dolan blessed the food to be shared in the upcoming days, expressing gratitude for the support received. “People are in a generous, charitable mood. Catholic Charities does this all year, every day, all the time,” he noted.
On November 28, the organization plans to distribute more than 500 turkeys and traditional accompaniments at the annual Thanksgiving event at the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Community Center in Harlem. This distribution includes essential items such as corn bread, collard greens, apples, potatoes, onions, milk, and eggs.
J. Antonio Fernández, CEO of Catholic Charities, highlighted the ongoing need in the community. “We’ve been blessed with many donations from private donors and corporations. We’ve been doing this for decades,” he stated, emphasizing the organization’s ability to meet the increasing demand for food assistance.
Addressing Growing Needs
The need for food pantry assistance has surged, according to Lakisha Morris, division director of food and housing for Catholic Charities. “There’s inflation, the halt in SNAP benefits many were receiving. We’re seeing people, income-wise, are in need of resources,” she explained. This year, the charity is also providing Halal Thanksgiving turkeys to 100 Bronx families in collaboration with the Islamic Society of the Bronx.
In addition to the turkey distributions, Catholic Charities aims to serve 750 households through various food distribution sites at local churches. They are also extending their holiday efforts by providing special meals for 200 families at the Mitchell Houses, the site of a tragic building collapse in October.
The organization not only focuses on holiday distributions but operates food pantries year-round, serving millions of meals to families in need. Morris noted that collectively, the charity serves 10 million meals annually, reaching hundreds of thousands of families.
As part of their holiday initiatives, Catholic Charities will also distribute coats, sweaters, pajamas, and winter accessories for 500 individuals. Furthermore, they are launching their annual “Adopt A Family” program, inviting the public to contribute to holiday wish lists for families in need.
Reflecting on the spirit of giving, Fernández remarked, “Most Catholic Charities do this around the country. We are blessed to have and more blessed to give.” The efforts of Cardinal Dolan and Catholic Charities serve as a reminder of the importance of community support and compassion during the holiday season.
