On Tuesday, November 26, Catholic Charities set up one of their larger turkey distribution efforts outside the Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Center in Harlem. Even through the rain, a line started to form around 7:30 a.m. (a few hours before the posted 10 a.m. start time), leading to an early opening to get these clients home and dry with their Thanksgiving meals as soon as possible. Catholic Charities reported that about 350 turkeys with all of the fixings were available to the community at this location, and the crowd was delighted to get to them early.

“I did not expect it to be this much food, but this is the whole meal! This is actually the whole meal, and I really, really, really appreciate it,” said Karen, one of the clients in attendance at the distribution. “I didn’t have a turkey. I’m a senior citizen. So, I really wasn’t planning too big. It’s just me and my husband… This is one of the best charities. They don’t give out expired food… The fruits and vegetables are always very fresh. They keep it orderly, and I always really appreciate it.”

Though the weather tried to dampen the mood, the volunteers were not deterred from making the Catholic Charities tents a welcoming and happy environment. The Good Newsroom spoke with one of the longtime volunteers, Orlando, who kept spirits high with each client who went through the line. “The holiday season is very community-oriented, and it’s a very holy time… It makes you more grateful for whatever situation you’re in. It brings out the color of everything that you do in life when you help people.”

The holiday season also brings out many new faces on both sides of the line at most Catholic Charities events. The Good Newsroom spoke with one of the first-time volunteers, Anne-Marie, who wanted to come out and show her support for this turkey distribution event. “This is my first time volunteering with Catholic Charities. I’ve worked in a food bank before somewhere else, but you know it’s Thanksgiving, so I thought it would be a good time to try it… I had some time off work, and it seemed like a good time to remember what to be thankful for.”

The community rallied around the event, with many mentioning the help this brings to many surrounding the Harlem area. Based on attendance and the long line present for most of the morning, the distribution was a great success, with most, if not all, of the 350 turkeys being given out to families that needed them.

Lakisha Morris, the Director of Operations for Community Outreach Services for Catholic Charities, was there to oversee everything running smoothly and takes pride in the good work being done for the clients who braved the rain to get food on Tuesday. “Part of what we do here is just to make sure that people in our communities are able to celebrate the holidays in dignity. That’s why we’re out here in the rain, making sure that we are able to support our community partners.”

For more information on how to lend a helping hand in the future, visit https://catholiccharitiesny.org/volunteer/ and get involved.