Bayonne city government, social services agencies, and a local church are working to make sure that all those who want a Thanksgiving meal can have one.
As in previous years, the Bayonne Economic Opportunity Foundation, Bayonne Community Bank, Chandelier Restaurant, and Unico, an Italian-American service organization, are combining to offer a free Thanksgiving Day meal to anyone who wants one. The meal will be provided at the main dining area of Back Bay Gardens, 535 Ave. A, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to Donna Cullen BEOF outreach manager.
“Anyone who wants a place to go on Thanksgiving is welcome to come,” Cullen said.
But attendees must sign up in advance. They can do so at BEOF offices, 555 Kennedy Blvd., or at one of two nutrition sites; at Back Bay or 4th street and Story Court. Or they can call the BEOF at (201) 437-7222. The registration deadline is Friday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m.
Last year the event served 400 people. It is sponsored by Unico and BCB, the Chandelier Restaurant provides much of the food, and Unico members cook the food, Cullen said.
“Those men are well-oiled machines when they work,” she said. “They definitely know what they’re doing.”
Homebound seniors who are unable to attend can have the dinner delivered to them on Thanksgiving through the Meals on Wheels program, according to Lori Anderson, nutrition coordinator. They should also call BEOF in advance to arrange the delivery.
“It makes them happy to know someone cares; to see someone on Thanksgiving Day.” – Lori Anderson
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About 150 residents throughout Bayonne will receive their Thanksgiving dinner this way between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
“There’s a need for this; they’re by themselves on Thanksgiving,” Anderson said. “It makes you feel good to help. It makes them happy to know someone cares, to see someone on Thanksgiving Day.”
Feeling good about helping, and making sure people are fed on Thanksgiving, is also the mission of Friendship Baptist Church, 41 West 20th St., according to Rev. Gene Sykes.
The church will be offering its free Thanksgiving Day dinner again this year, from noon to 4 p.m.
The public is invited, and no registration is necessary.
“Anybody who needs a meal is welcome,” Rev. Sykes said. “Just come.”
Last year the church fed between 175 and 200 people.
Offerings include turkey, ham, stuffing, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, cabbage, and sweet potatoes, according to Leticia Wise, Thanksgiving dinner coordinator.
Limited transportation to the dinner and delivery of meals to homes are also being offered. Those interested should call (201) 779-2745 or the church at (201) 437-3233 in advance.
“We are trying to reach out to seniors who have no one to be with on Thanksgiving Day,” Wise said.
Trinity Church and the city of Bayonne also offer ongoing food drives.
Trinity lending a hand
Trinity Church began giving out turkeys to those in need on Nov. 9, according to spokeswoman
Kathleen Feeley.
This year the organization is a bit short in its goal of supplying more than 150 families with their Thanksgiving food supplies. The church is seeking additional turkeys and donations. Anyone interested in contributing is asked to call (551) 689-2671.
City of Bayonne collecting
The city of Bayonne is also sponsoring a drive to provide turkeys and groceries to the less fortunate, setting up food-donation boxes at the Mayor’s Office and Office on Aging at City Hall and at the circulation desk at the Bayonne Library. Canned goods and other nonperishable grocery items are being collected.
Cookie’s Food Drive, the City Hall collection, is named after Cookie Daughtrey, who organized the drive for many years.
Doctor’s BEOF food drive
There is also a Thanksgiving food drive being conducted by the dental office of Dr. Jordan Alter to benefit the BEOF. Residents can drop off nonperishable food items at the office, 803 Blvd. until Thursday, Nov. 19. For more information, call (201) 339-6604.
Joseph Passantino may be reached at JoePass@hudsonreporter.com.