The Thankful Giving Food Drive, a Wayne-based volunteer group, has brought a ray of hope to hundreds of southern Passaic County families. This initiative has made it possible for these families to come together around the table and enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Miriam Langomaro, one of the Passaic residents, was among those who lined up early on Tuesday afternoon outside the Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church to pick up a prepared Thanksgiving dinner for four. She expressed her gratitude, saying "God bless you."

Helping Those in Need

Janelle Hall, the director of the United Passaic Organization, mentioned that some people had been waiting since 7 a.m. as they were concerned about missing out on this opportunity. For the third year, UPO and Hall have been a crucial link in the Thankful Giving Food Drive. On Tuesday alone, hundreds of boxed turkey dinners were distributed at seven drop-off locations in Paterson, Passaic, or Haledon. At UPO, 260 boxes were handed out, with approximately 160 at the church and another 100 or so from their food truck. In Passaic, 50 boxes were delivered to PALS. In Haledon, the Bridgeway Community Church received 25 dinners. The remaining dinners were distributed to four locations in Paterson, including the Paterson Task Force Shelter, Family Success Center, Military Assistance Pantry, and Youth at Risk and Pantry. These meals are prepared by In Thyme catering of Moonchie, which Abrams describes as wonderful. 1: The efforts of the Thankful Giving Food Drive started in 2020 with the help of Karen Abrams and Kathya Arevalo. They aimed to give back at a time when many people were facing difficulties. By providing fully prepared meals that families could take home, they have made a significant difference in the lives of these communities. 2: Abrams and Arevalo couldn't have achieved this without the support of major sponsors like the Anthony Geisler Family and the World Insurance Group. Their contributions have made it possible to expand the reach of the food drive and help more families in need.

Increasing Demand

Arevalo stated that they began ramping up their efforts in September by getting money from donors and contacting local organizations to identify families in need. Hall noticed an increase in the number of food insecure individuals in the past year. While they started with 62 families in the first year, in the past two years, they have provided meals for between 600 and 700 people. Over the past five years, they have reached thousands of families. 1: The need for such initiatives is growing, and the Thankful Giving Food Drive has stepped up to meet this demand. By providing these boxed dinners, they are not only feeding families but also giving them a sense of normalcy during the holiday season. 2: As families gather together to enjoy these meals, it creates a sense of community and togetherness. It shows that even in difficult times, there are people who care and are willing to help.

The Power of Giving

Abrams emphasized that all families have to do is warm up the meals. When families come together, it makes them feel normal. This simple act of providing a Thanksgiving meal has a profound impact on these families. 1: The Thankful Giving Food Drive is not just about providing food; it's about creating memories and bringing people together. It shows that even in the face of adversity, there is hope and kindness in the world. 2: By supporting this initiative, we are not only helping families in need but also contributing to the well-being of our communities. It is a reminder that we all have a role to play in making a difference.