Children of the City and generous New Yorkers distribute Thanksgiving Meals feeding over 700

Children of the City brought together over 200 volunteers from all over New York to distribute free Thanksgiving meals to needy families at our facility on Sunday November 22, 2009 feeding over 700 adults and children. Over 100 families received a full Thanksgiving meal which is a 25-lb box of food to feed a family of 6 and either a turkey or ham.

“More than one-in-five children New York City live in poverty” said Joyce Mattera, Executive Director and Founder. “New York has one of the highest childhood poverty rates, where 16.3% of families with children live below the poverty line. Our mission is not only to address hunger through feeding programs, but enable families to overcome poverty through education and development.” 

All in attendance heard inspirational stories from fellow members of the community who have broken the cycle of poverty in their own families; Thanksgiving meals were generously donated by partners of Children of the City, including Here's Life Inner City, Councilwoman Sara M. Gonzalez, C-Town Supermarkets, Basile Builders, Board members of Children of the City, and other individuals. Children participated in fun and educational activities while parents were able to attend a workshop on financial planning and budgeting.

“Over 200 amazing adults and children from various organizations including the NYC Urban Fellows Program, Faith House, International School of Brooklyn, iVCI, NYU, Real Women in the City, and Key Clubs from Lincoln High School, Brooklyn Tech HS, and Fort Hamilton HS, came together in two shifts to assemble the Thanksgiving dinners and distribute them to the families that were in attendance” said Joyce Mattera. “Children of the City was glad to facilitate this opportunity.  We know these are tough economic times and we appreciate the generosity of New Yorkers willing to give back to families in need.”