A week ago, residents at Edison Housing Authority were looking forward to their Annual Turkey Giveaway, and this year they were thankful for the generosity.
— Provided photo
Many residents celebrated Thanksgiving with their families yesterday by enjoying a meal that included the turkeys that the community provides for those in need during the holiday.
Martina Cruz gives thanks each year for the Annual Turkey Giveaway that took place Nov. 22 at the EHA, where she lives with her son and granddaughter.
“My family has really benefitted from this program,” she explained. “The money I save on buying a Thanksgiving dinner, I am able to spend on other necessities. I also love that the Housing Authority gives other food products like cereal that we use on a daily basis.”
Another EHA resident and neighbor also shared Cruz’s sentiments. Doris Bradly, who lives alone said, “I am thankful I can enjoy a good meal on a special day like Thanksgiving.”
This year’s Turkey Giveaway provided many households at EHA with a reason to celebrate. Families enjoyed a Thanksgiving with a table laden with traditional dishes.
“Everyone’s efforts provided us the opportunity to feed 150 families that came out last Friday to receive dry goods and turkeys,” reported Deborah Hurley, EHA executive director.
“We even had a few packages left over to provide to our Sect. 8 families that participated in our ‘Homeownership Program’ on Saturday morning. We truly could not have provided our families with these resources, if it weren’t for our donors’ prompt responses.”
Donors that lend a hand to the Turkey Giveaway community effort include the support of EHA’s commissioners; Edison Twp.; donations from many EHA service providers, which include EHA Chair Carlos N. Sanchez, Commissioner Chris Mazauskas, McLaughlin Stauffer & Shaklee, P.C; Polcari & Company; Netconnect; Breslin & Breslin; Stateside Affairs; Federal Business Center, Inc.; Shoprite of Edison; and Hymanson, Parnes & Giampaolo.
“The Turkey Giveaway brings the community together to give a helping hand to those who need one, which is especially felt during the holiday season,” said Sanchez.
“This is truly a team effort for a great cause. The Turkey Giveaway is an effort, fueled by amazing generosity that makes a difference in so many lives,” he said.
The EHA creates, offers and provides qualified lower income families the best opportunities for affordable, safe and decent housing and communities.
EHA’s goal is to significantly contribute to families achieving and sustaining economic self-sufficiency.