'Angel Project' ShopRite, Stewart-Cousins Distribute Free Turkeys

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Once again this year, the New York State Senate Majority Leader partnered with ShopRite, local churches and organizations to deliver over 150 turkeys and help make sure there is plenty to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said that the event, held at ShopRite of Greenway Plaza on Tuesday, highlighted the fact that food insecurity is still a big problem.

"Thanksgiving is a day to not only be thankful but to share," Stewart-Cousins said. "Sadly, food insecurity continues to be a problem in our district, which is made worse by supply issues and drastic increases in food prices. Caring for those families who are struggling to make ends meet in our communities is as important as ever, and I know that a warm Thanksgiving meal with turkey can be a comfort to them."

The turkeys were distributed to grandparents who participate in the senator's annual "Angel Project," which pairs grandparents who are primary caregivers to their grandchildren with "Angels," donors from the community who fulfill their holiday wishlist. Many grandparents picked up their turkeys at the Yonkers ShopRite store, while others were delivered through the Kinship Programs of Family Service Society of Yonkers and Family Ties of Westchester.

Phyllis Shelton, a New Rochelle community advocate, said that Senator Stewart-Cousins "is the special type of person that changes lives, lifts people up, and makes the world a better place. Thank you for your generous donations of turkeys. It is greatly appreciated and will make a difference in the lives of many people."

Additional turkeys donated by ShopRite, as well as Milagros Gutierrez, Founder of the Youth and Senior Empowerment Foundation in Yonkers, went to churches and organizations identified by the Senator. These organizations serve food insecure residents in the Senator’s District, including Calvary Baptist Church of White Plains, Theodore D. Young Community Center in Greenburgh, Little Village Daycare at Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry, Thomas H. Slater Center in White Plains, Dominican American Cultural Club of Yonkers, and Union Baptist Church of New Rochelle.

"Food insecurity is a substantial problem faced in our community. ShopRite is proud to partner with Senator Stewart- Cousins our mission, fighting to eradicate hunger," ShopRite Manager Tony Miles said. "And ensuring our neighbors have a happy Thanksgiving.”

Likewise, Milagros Gutierrez, Founder of the Youth and Senior Empowerment Foundation said that participating in the annual turkey give away is an especially important effort.

"I’ve been blessed to be given many opportunities to serve my community," Gutierrez said. "No opportunity is declined, so no matter what hat I’m wearing, the community comes first. This Thanksgiving giveaway is one of my favorites because I’m truly grateful to serve."