While the community around us was busy planning their holiday travels and Thanksgiving menus, East Side House was busy planning not one, but two Turkey Drives! ESH programs at both the Mill Brook and Mitchel Community Centers were able to give away more than 500 free turkeys to community members and welcomed some guest appearances. We’re grateful for the support and opportunity to help families put food on the table for the holiday.
The Turkey Giveaway at the Mill Brook Houses was a true community effort. Fairway Market and the Mill Brook Tenants Association each donated 100 turkeys and the NYPD donated 30 more. When tickets for these turkeys were snapped up within hours, ESH bought additional turkeys to meet the demand. “The whole community looks forward to this event every year. It takes some of the stress off the holiday,” one community member said.
At the Mitchel Community Center Turkey Giveaway, we had a special guest appearance by Brooklyn Nets player, Kyrie Irving, and notable rapper, Common. We’re so appreciative of their desire to give back by donating their time to ESH and the Mott Haven community. Guests and staff handed out 200 turkeys and Thanksgiving fixings kits provided by FreshDirect.
Thank you to our Turkey Giveaway partners – Kyrie Irving, Common, Mill Brook Tenants Association, FreshDirect, Fairway Market, the NYPD, and Hermetic Friends!