"Everything was perfect, We don’t have a lot left but that’s ok!!!" Barbara Kuczyra said as a crew of Easter Seals of New York helpers completed this week's Port Jervis Thanksgiving distribution, "We were busy!"
Kuczyra, Outreach Coordinator for Easter Seals, said more than 100 households were helped on the actual day of the distribution, Monday, November 22. In addition, about 60 boxes of food had been given out in advance of the distribution in order to cut down on the line of participants. An additional boxes were given out the day after the distribution.
As stated as part of its mission, it is the goal of Easter Seals of New York via its Community Outreach Center (Project Discovery/Temple Beth El, 88 East Main Street, Port Jervis) to positively impact the community by providing access to basic needs and resources, thus improving the quality of life for all residents. Food, clothing, and household goods are distributed in Port Jervis on the third Monday of each month. Bread is offered daily, as well as a special holiday outreach conducted in November and December.
Local groups, individuals, and donors from other communities and organizations contribute regularly to helping to carry out this mission. These include ShopRite, New York State Fraternal Order of Police, Port Jervis Police Benevolent Association, Bon Secours Community Hospital, New York State Masons, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and private donors and groups.
Many from these groups were also on hand to help with this week's Thanksgiving distribution, and assist throughout the year.