Every year, Catholic Charities delivers hope and nourishment to over 400,000 New Yorkers in need through its food distributions, a mission that extends across boroughs and beyond ensuring that every community has the chance to gather, give thanks, and share a meal.
On 125th Street in Harlem, St. Joseph of the Holy Family Church transformed into a beacon of hope and nourishment as Catholic Charities hosted its annual Thanksgiving food distribution. With the generosity of donors like Brian O’Dwyer and the hard work of volunteers, the event ensured that over 250 families could celebrate the holiday with dignity and joy.
“This isn’t just about food; it’s about community, compassion, and dignity,” shared Lakisha Morris, Director of Operations for Catholic Charities. “Food is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Our mission is to make sure every family has what they need to celebrate the holidays without stress.”
Food That Feeds Both Body and Spirit
Behind the bustling activity at the church, the message was clear: no one should go hungry during the holidays—or at any time. Turkeys, sweet potatoes, apples, onions, greens, and other staples filled the bags distributed to families, providing them with the means to create a nutritious and festive meal.
Betty Washington, a longtime participant, shared her gratitude: “It’s very important to me to get food from Catholic Charities. I’ve been coming here for three years, and it’s a great help. I work in a beauty salon, and I always try to share what I get with senior citizens in my community.”
For Kenneth Campbell, another recipient, the support from Catholic Charities has been life-changing. “Before I came here, it was hard—COVID and food inflation made things even tougher,” he said. “But this program has given me a big boost. They’ve helped me and my family more than I can say.”
Building Community Through Service
At the heart of the day’s success were the volunteers, many of whom are pantry recipients themselves. Their efforts exemplify the spirit of giving back. “This is a community effort,” Campbell emphasized. “Our volunteers work tirelessly, giving their time and energy to ensure events like this come together. It’s a testament to the strength and unity of this neighborhood.”
Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, reflected on the simplicity of the mission: “We’re here to serve our neighbors in need—whether they’re Catholic or not—with dignity and compassion. We’re all made in the image and likeness of God, and everyone deserves the ability to have a good Thanksgiving meal.”
Gratitude in Action
Brian O’Dwyer, a dedicated donor, shared his perspective on the day: “It’s a wonderful tradition. Our faith is magnified by the work we do with Catholic Charities. Every dollar we give goes directly to helping those in need. It’s an honor to share our good fortune with the people of Harlem.”
The event highlighted the vital role food plays in fostering community and relieving the burden of food insecurity. As families departed with bags of fresh produce and holiday staples, their smiles reflected not just the relief of having food but the joy of being part of something larger—a community that cares.
Food Is Not a Luxury
Food connects us all, transcending backgrounds and circumstances. As Morris aptly put it, “Food isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Today, we’ve made sure that our families can relax, celebrate, and enjoy the holiday season like everyone else, without the stress of wondering where their next meal will come from.”
The Thanksgiving distribution at St. Joseph of the Holy Family was more than just an event; it was a demonstration of faith, service, and solidarity. By ensuring that every family could sit down to a Thanksgiving meal, Catholic Charities affirmed its commitment to addressing food insecurity with compassion and action.
For more information about Catholic Charities and its food programs, visit Catholic Charities Food Services.
