The Heart of Thanksgiving in Rockaway

Story and Photos
By Theresa Racine

As we reflect on Thanksgiving in the Rockaways, we are reminded of the power of gratitude. It seemed on every block in Rockaway there was a Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 28, as tons of volunteers gave time up that day to make sure those that were less fortunate were able to come in and eat a hot meal.

The 100th Precinct held their Thanksgiving feast which happens every year. On their Facebook page, they said that more than 500 people were served free of charge. In addition to serving meals at the precinct, they personally dropped off meals to seniors and to the disabled. Robin Gonzalez was very grateful as she wasn’t able to make it to the precinct, but they delivered her food and made her feel part of what she called family. Captain Carol Hamilton expressed her joy to serve the people in Rockaway. She said, “I don’t live here, but I work here so what is better than serving the community I work in and letting me show that gratitude back.” So many community organizations also donated. Rockaway Kiwanis, Stop and Shop, and House on the Rock Church also contributed. It was festive and the food was delicious.

Down the block, The B.R.I.D.G.E. Family Enrichment Center was hosting “The 7th Annual Operation Feast Giving.”  The rain changed the location but not the energy. More than 50 volunteers came out in teams to bring food to those who were out in the streets. People who came into the center were offered clothes from their boutique and hot meals even to take home.

The next feast was in Arverne at St. John’s Baptist Church, which also served delicious food and desserts, and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church on Beach 86th Street was also out giving food to the people on the streets. Thanksgiving in the Rockaways is the place to be if you want to feel a sense of family and the heart of community. Thank you to all of the volunteers.