Serving up hope: Local leaders and orgs give back with turkey giveaways ahead of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day preparations are already underway in Brooklyn, thanks to local businesses and civic leaders who helped distribute free turkeys this week — and there are even more on the horizon.

Ruby’s Bar and Grill hosted a giveaway on the historic Riegelmann Boardwalk Nov. 19, with donations totaling 500 turkeys.

Local politicians and charity drive partners like Council Member Justin Brannan and State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton joined the effort, distributing the frozen birds to Coney Island families in need. They were assisted by neighboring businesses, including Brooklyn Beach Shop, Luna Park, Paul’s Daughter, Tom’s Coney Island, Deno’s Wonder Wheel and Nathan’s.

Council Member Justin Brannan and Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton give out turkeys to Coney Islanders. Photo by Arthur De Gaeta

“This is one of my favorite traditions in Coney Island every single year,” Scarcella-Spanton said at the event, “making sure that you have food on your table to enjoy a nice warm meal on Thanksgiving with your friends and family.”

“These guys really come together to give back to folks in need during the holidays. It’s very, very special,” Brannan added. “Let’s have a happy Thanksgiving.”

A handful of businesses partnered with local officials to pass out 500 turkeys on Coney Island’s Riegelmann Boardwalk this week.Photo by Arthur De Gaeta

Both partners also gave a special shoutout to local law enforcement during the event’s opening ceremonies.

Giveaways across the borough

On Nov. 20, Council Member Mercedes Narcisse partnered with DoorDash for a turkey giveaway event in her area. DoorDash provided $2,000 to purchase turkeys for families in District 46 facing food insecurity.

On Nov. 21, Council Member Susan Zhuang, who represents parts of Dyker Heights, Bensonhurst, Gravesend, and Sunset Park, provided free food to older residents.

This event comes during Council Member Susan Zhuang’s Turkey Trot for Seniors. The pol and her staff are delivering hundreds of turkeys to senior centers and organizations throughout the 43rd District. Photo courtesy of the Office of Council Member Susan Zhuang

Zhuang teamed up with the Zhanjiang Association of America Corp, ChefScape, and Spreading Love to pass out turkeys and chickens to community members 65 years old or older.

“Their generosity during the Thanksgiving season should be commended. With food prices still high, it is important that seniors in the community have access to free food in preparation for Thanksgiving Day next week,” Zhuang said in a statement. “That is why I am happy to hold this event with our sponsors.”

Also on Nov. 21, just a week before Thanksgiving, Council Member Chi Ossé joined Drive Change to host the group’s fifth annual holiday turkey giveaway.

According to Kalilah Moon, executive director of Drive Change, this event is part of the organization’s efforts to disrupt cycles of poverty and incarceration in Bed-Stuy.

“During a time of division and uncertainty, events like this demonstrate the power of coming together to create positive change,” Moon said in a statement. “Our Turkey Giveaway is more than food distribution—it’s about dignity, care, and hope. We are committed to meeting the immediate needs of our neighbors while working to build systemic solutions to cycles of poverty, trauma, and incarceration.”

Other local donation events included:

Almost a dozen city officials, including U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Adrienne Adams and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams organized a donation of 1,500 turkeys at Kings Plaza on Nov. 21; Elite Learners, a nonprofit specializing in wrap-around services, surprised seniors with free turkeys and Thanksgiving dinner gift cards at their weekly food pantry on Nov. 20; Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn gave away nearly 1,000 turkeys across households and community-board organizations in Flatbush; Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso hosted a Thanksgiving food distribution event outside Brooklyn Borough Hall on Friday, where almost 50,000 pounds of fresh produce and Thanksgiving foods were distributed to more than 115 pre-registered houses of worship, community kitchens, and nonprofits.

Assembly Member Bichotte Hermelyn with Judges Anne J. Swern, Norma Jennings and Juliet Howard distributing turkeys.Photo courtesy of the Office of Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso at a previous food distribution sponsored by the Food Bank of New York. File photo by Food Bank of New York

Coming up

It’s not too late for Brooklynites still putting their holiday meals together.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Council Member Crystal Hudson will collaborate with DoorDash to host a turkey giveaway event for families facing food insecurity in District 35. Taking place at St. Francis de Sales School for the Deaf in Brooklyn from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the initiative aims to support the estimated 1.2 million food-insecure residents in New York City.

DoorDash has contributed $2,000 to help purchase turkeys and additional holiday fixings, reinforcing their commitment to combating local food insecurity. According to a 2022 food policy report, roughly 1. 2 million NYC residents struggle with food insecurity.

Assembly Member Monique Chandler-Waterman and rapper Busta Rhymes will also work with LinkNYC, IAmWondaWoman, a youth nonprofit, and East Flatbush Village, Inc. to help feed more than 300 families on Saturday. Local families can pick up free turkeys, fresh produce, canned goods, and other essentials at P.S. 135, 684 Linden Blvd, at 11 a.m. The event hosts also present a mental health workshop for teens and parents.