Posted on November 28, 2011 by Jen Kirby On Friday, November 26th, the Coalition hosted its annual Thanksgiving Dinner at St.Bartholomew Church in Manhattan. Nearly 200 homeless and hungry New Yorkers heaped their plates with turkey, stuffing and all the traditional fixings during a formal, sit-down dinner. Coalition and Church volunteers and staff waited tables and served the diners, bringing second and third helpings to those who, on most days, barely get one. Any man, woman or child in need of a warm meal was welcome. We advertised the Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Bartholomew’s, as well as distributed flyers to people we serve through the Grand Central Food Program, the Coalition’s mobile soup kitchen. This year, there was a marked increase in the number of individuals and families attending. As they sat in the packed dining room, slicing turkey and sipping coffee in weather-worn coats and tattered sneakers, the scene was a stark reminder of the real life consequences of this brutal economy. One woman, finishing up her dinner, waved over a Coalition volunteer and thanked him, saying the meal was “heaven sent.” While this is the time of year we count our blessings and remember those in need, our homeless and hungry neighbors struggle not just on Thanksgiving, but each and every day of the year. That’s why after the meal, the Coalition sent our vans out on the usual nightly route, distributing food to those street-bound homeless in uptown and downtown Manhattan, and the Bronx. We went out on Thanksgiving Day, too, and we go out every single night to bring help and hope to the most vulnerable among us. Join the Coalition in making a difference and support us as we deliver warm, nutritious meals to homeless and hungry New Yorkers this winter! Go here; a gift of $18.90 will provide 10 meals to those most in need!
