PORT JERVIS – if you are in need of supplies for a Thanksgiving dinner, help is available at various locations in the Port Jervis/Tri-State region. Many organizations have posted Food Pantry/outreach hours, including Easter Seals Project Discovery.
Port’s Easter Seals Thanksgiving distribution is scheduled for first thing tomorrow morning, Monday, November 20. The distribution will begin with a quick lineup at 8:30 a.m. at Project Discovery’s new 193 Jersey Avenue location.
Among available items this month are all the supplies needed to prepare a complete Thanksgiving Day dinner, including turkey with all the trimmings. Participants may also select from meats, fresh, frozen, and canned foods, breads, cake, clothes, and houseware items.
“I have always kept the motto for our outreach as a hand up, just not a hand out,” said Barbara Kuczyra, nurse at Project Discovery and outreach coordinator for Easter Seals.
Kuczyra and team are among local groups and individuals who work together throughout the year to provide helping hands to those in need. Like others in the community, Kuczyra says she is grateful to be able to make a difference in a person’s life.
“I have so many touching stories, all centered around families and whatever struggles they’ve had. They often say that to come together for a meal is beyond words for them to express,” Kuczyra. “The smiles, the hugs, the singing that they do when waiting on a line, usually in cold weather, says it all.”
In addition to monthly outreach, emergency food boxes of food are also available and distributed when needed.
Kuczyra noted that help provided in time of need can bring hope that life is good and have a far-reaching, trickle-down effect on a person’s life. She expressed her gratitude, and that of others at Project Discovery, to Easter Seals for allowing and supporting their efforts to make this possible. She also praised the support of New York State Fraternal Order of Police, Port Jervis Police and Fire Departments, Order of Knights, Women’s Professional Association, CBD of Port Jervis, M&T Bank, private donations, and other groups and supporters for food, money, and services provided to help make the monthly outreach events a success.
Project Discovery/Easter Seals Christmas Distribution is also scheduled to take place at the same location. It will take place on December 18, 2023, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Hams and gifts will be among items offered at that time.
To contribute to Easter Seals Project Discovery Port Jervis outreach programs, or for any questions or assistance, Easter Seals Project Discovery may be reached at 845-858-3839.
