Southeast Queens Anti-Hunger Community Initiative Delivers Free Thanksgiving Meal Baskets To Needy Families
- Press Release -
(Queens, NY) — The 1906 Project, Inc., and Sheltering Arms recently distributed dozens of free Thanksgiving meals to the needy in Southeast Queens as part of a local initiative to reduce the number of food insecure families in the borough, event sponsors announced.
The Fourth Annual Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway provided full-course holiday meals to individuals and families expected to feed between 300-500 people, officials said. The meal baskets were distributed on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Sheltering Arms Family Resource Center at 107-14 Liberty Avenue in Ozone Park, officials said.
The Thanksgiving Baskets Giveaway is a part of efforts across the nation by individual organizations to combat hunger.
Statistics from the New York City Coalition Against Hunger show an estimated 1.4 million New Yorkers living in households lacking sufficient food.
Jean Duchatellier, president of the 1906 Project, Inc., a Southeast Queens-based not-for-profit organization, said that local and national hunger statistics show some people are struggling to put food on the table.
“We need to do all we can to reduce the number of families living in food insecure households,” Duchatellier said. “Sheltering Arms has been a consistent partner and longtime advocate when it comes to providing community services and delivering resources to those in need.”
Since 1831, Sheltering Arms has worked to ensure that vulnerable children and families receive the care they need to remain free of violence, abuse and a cycle of generational poverty.
Elizabeth McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer of Sheltering Arms, said that the partnership with The 1906 Project, Inc., continues to deliver results for the Southeast Queens Community.
“We are committed to helping children, families and our city’s most vulnerable populations recover from loss, abuse, neglect, and poverty. McCarthy said. “By partnering with the 1906 Project to provide food and other critical supports, we can free our children and families to focus on what is most important: healing and strengthening family bonds so they can reach their greatest potential. Together we can build stronger futures and put an end to hunger, abuse and neglect in our Queens community."
In Queens, an estimated 13.3 percent, or 300,190 local residents were food insecure; or did not have access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members, according to recent data from Feeding Families, an advocacy organization that works to end hunger and feed America through a nationwide network of member food banks.
Ray Gamble, a 1906 Project, Inc., Board Member, said that while recent data shows Queens has the least amount of food insecure individuals in New York City, “we must continue to work together to eliminate hunger and all forms of neglect.
“One individual or family going without food is too many,” Gamble said. “No effort is too small when it comes to helping those in need. We are again honored to work again with Sheltering Arms. They have proven to be a great champion for the Southeast Queens community.”
Contact: Jean Duchatellier, The 1906 Project, Inc. | (917) 309-8283
Mohan Sivaloganathan, Sheltering Arms | (212) 886-5604
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The 1906 Project, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization working to build stronger neighborhoods in Southeast Queens by partnering with individuals and institutions to advance quality local service initiatives that help develop tomorrow’s leaders.
Sheltering Arms strengthens the education, well-being, and development of 24,000 vulnerable children and families across New York City each year so that everyone has the support and opportunity needed to maximize their potential. Through innovation and partnerships, Sheltering Arms has enabled low-income children and families to take steps toward brighter futures, free from the cycle of generational poverty, since 1831.
Southeast Queens Community Unites To Deliver Early Holiday Cheer And Goodwill To Needy Families
- Press Release -
(Jamaica, NY) - The holiday goodwill meal initiative comes as statistics from the New York City Coalition against Hunger show an estimated 1.4 million New Yorkers are living in households lacking sufficient food.
Jean Duchatellier, president of the 1906 Project, Inc., a local not-for-profit organization and event co-sponsor said that published local hunger and poverty statistics confirm some individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet.
“For the past several years we have been fortunate to partner with Sheltering Arms/Safe Space which has a long track record of delivering services to those who need them most,” Duchatellier said. “Once again we are grateful that through the partnership we were able to provide free meals and help many local families this holiday season.”
Since 1831, Sheltering Arm/Safe Space has worked to ensure that vulnerable children and youth receive the care they need to remain free of violence, abuse and neglect, officials said.
Elizabeth McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer of Sheltering Arms/Safe Space, said that community-based organizations like the 1906 Project, Inc., play an important role in helping to deliver services to vulnerable populations.
“The children and families we serve have experienced loss, abuse, neglect or destitution and would not have access to a holiday meal to share with family and friends without the support of the 1906 Project,” McCarthy said.
“We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with the 1906 Project, Inc., each year,” McCarthy said. “Through their generous support, hundreds of vulnerable children, youth and families have had the opportunity to join together as a community to celebrate the holiday season. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the group for many years to come.”
Attorney Everett Hopkins, 1906 Project, Inc., Board Member, said partnering with local organizations such as Sheltering Arms/Safe Space was “important to improving neighborhoods in Southeast Queens.”
“Experience has taught us that working together we can accomplish much more,” said Hopkins, also the Founder and Managing Director of the Hopkins Law Group, LLC, located in Springfield Gardens also serving the Southeast Queens community. “We know working with Sheltering Arms/Safe Space we are reaching those who have the most need.”
Jeff Terry, 1906 Project, Inc., Board Member, said, “this is a wonderful event where you get to meet great people and assist those who need the help most.”
Duchatellier added: “We look forward to continuing our relationship with Sheltering Arms/Safe Space and other local leaders as we continue to work together to build stronger communities.”
For additional information about the 1906 Project, Inc., contact Jean Duchatellier at: (917) 309-8283; or the Sheltering Arms/Safe Space (Jamaica Office), contact Carissa Carson at: (718) 526-2400.
Contact: 1906 Project, Inc. | Jean Duchatellier | (917) 309-8283
Curtis Taylor at (646) 741–9615 | curtismediapr@gmail.com@gmail.com
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The 1906 Project, Inc., is a not-for-profit organization working to build stronger neighborhoods in Southeast Queens by partnering with individuals and institutions to advance quality local service initiatives that help develop tomorrow’s leaders.
Since 1831, Sheltering Arm/Safe Space has worked to ensure that vulnerable children and youth receive the care they need to remain free of violence, abuse and neglect.