District 15 City Councilmember Oswald Feliz hosted his Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Monday, Nov. 25, where hundreds of local community members lined up to receive free turkeys and fresh produce at Rose Hill Park at the intersection of Webster Avenue and East Fordham Road in Fordham Manor.
Officials from the councilman’s office said nearly 600 turkeys were distributed to community residents on the day, along with free vouchers which could be used to obtain fresh produce either at the giveaway or at participating supermarkets.
Feliz said of the event, “Over the past week, I provided over 3,500 free turkeys to families in The Bronx to make sure that they have everything they need for Thanksgiving. It is a privilege to give back to The Bronx during this season. Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.”
Maria, who was waiting in line to receive a turkey, told Norwood News, “It’s cold out here but I really am appreciative. It helps out my family a lot not having to pay for one so yeah, I am grateful.”
Carlos, who was also waiting in line, said in Spanish of the event, “This helps a lot of people out. We need more of this in the community.”
Bronx Community Board 7 District Manager Karla Cabrera Carrera and NYPD Community Affairs Officers Stephen Echevarria and Jessalyn Capo from the 52nd Precinct helped facilitate the giveaway.
The event was co-sponsored by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia (A.D. 86), and Assemblyman George Alvarez (A.D. 78). Other sponsors included Fordham Road NYC Business Improvement District (BID), Common Pantry, Bronx Community Board 7, MADDD Equities, Union Community Health Center, Fordham University Center for Community Engaged Learning, the Met Council, Catholic Charities, the Hispanic Foundation, SBH Health System, Liberty Coca Cola Beverages, the Mary Mitchell Family Youth Center, Affinity by Molina Healthcare, YAMA Associated, and Little Italy in The Bronx, Arthur Avenue.