Queens, NY – Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn, Council Member James Sanders, Council Member Eric Ulrich, local officials and Jewish community leaders today joined the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty (Met Council) to deliver Kosher turkeys to families in need in the Rockaway peninsula.

The Rockaways suffered immense damage during Hurricane Sandy. Today’s turkey distribution builds on the Council’s ongoing work to provide hurricane victims and needy families the resources they need during these difficult times.

“At a time when we should be giving thanks, too many New Yorkers, are still without basic essentials in Sandy’s aftermath,” said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “Today’s turkey distribution will make sure New Yorkers can enjoy Thanksgiving and have a delicious holiday meal. The Council is proud to stand with the Met Council and do our part to help.”

“The Jewish community is a weave spoke in the rich cultural fabric of Far Rockaway, and too many of our Jewish brothers and sisters are suffering in the wake of Sandy,” said Councilman Sanders. “I thank Speaker Quinn and the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty for working with us to ensure that all the members of our community can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal this Thursday.”

“The Rockaway Peninsula has been devastated by Hurricane Sandy, and I thank Speaker Quinn and the Met Council for coming out and supporting the community during its time in need, especially during the holidays,” said Council Member Eric Ulrich.

The Met Council has been instrumental in helping Sandy victims. In the first week after the storm, they distributed over 46,000 pounds of bulk food and 85,000 prepared meals to hard-hit areas. This food continues to be critical support for neighborhoods without supermarkets and homes without power.

“With Thanksgiving upon us, it is especially painful to see the devastation in the Rockaway peninsula and so many individuals and families struggling as they try to get on the road to recovery,” said William E. Rapfogel, Met Council CEO. “We are grateful to partner with JCCRP, community leaders, and Speaker Quinn in an effort to make this holiday season a little brighter under these heartbreaking circumstances.”

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