Teens in Coney Island really brought home the turkey this Thanksgiving.
Helping to feed more than 100 local families this year, eight Coney Island Prep students took to the Coney Island YMCA on Tuesday, November 24 to hand out canned goods and 100 donated turkeys.
“We are proud to partner with our community’s outstanding young people to bring nourishing meals to Coney Island residents,” said Johanna Zaki, executive director of the Alliance for Coney Island—a collaborative of independent attractions, businesses and organizations in the area. “At this time of year, it is especially important to remember those among our community who could use a helping hand.”
According to Coney Island Prep, the students collected the canned goods over the past month.
“The reason this event is so great is that it shows the community that we still value the importance of Thanksgiving, and it shows that, even though we are students, we are strong people who have values and want to reach out to people during the holidays,” said Zaire Williams, a 10th grader at the school. “This event will bring together the community and help us to grow as students.”
Working alongside Coney Island Prep and the Alliance for Coney Island to put on the event—known as Coney Island Gives Thanks—were Councilmember Mark Treyger, Assemblymember Pamela Harris, the Coney Island YMCA, Families for Excellent Schools and Urban Neighborhood Services. The turkeys were donated by Fairway Markets and Families for Excellent Schools.
“These cans are going to people in need and it’s important to provide for them because it is teaching us all empathy here at school. Everyone should have a meal on Thanksgiving,” added Coney Island Prep seventh grader Sincair Bowers.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
