Turkey, clothing giveaways held in NYC ahead of Thanksgiving
NEW YORK (PIX11) -- A day of giving took place across New York City on Saturday as New Yorkers showed their support for each other at multiple giveaways before Thanksgiving.
In Richmond Hill, Queens, more than a hundred volunteers were with River Fund New York as it hosted its annual turkey distribution.
Around 2,500 people received free turkeys, groceries, toiletries and even clothes. Everything was donated by River Fund partners.
"I have gratitude that we have those donors, supporters, the politicians, the community, that we can actually help people who are in need," said River Fund New York founder Swami Durga Das. "We all have to take action to help each other."
Another heartfelt giveaway took place in Manhattan hosted by the United Federation of Teachers.
It was the 12th year for the Thanksgiving Holiday Feast and Coat Drive where around 200 public school children between the ages of 3 and 17 who live in temporary housing received a Thanksgiving meal along with a winter coat, hat, scarf and gloves.
"A lot of these kids don't have the proper winter garments. There are some newcomers. So it’s important to give them the proper clothing for winter," said Richard Mantell, who is with the United Federation of Teachers. "They just come and they are just kids for the day, forget about all the problems they may have. They just run around, play and get a coat,"
The students said they are touched by the generosity.
“I need a new one. Most of mine don’t fit," said Johan Barrios, a fifth grader from the Bronx.
“It feels really great, especially donating it for everyone who can’t afford and all the stuff that’s helping us because every person is getting blessed," said Ryan Garay, a 10-year-old from the Bronx.
All of the coats were donated by members of the United Federation of Teachers.