Cars stretched for a few blocks outside the 7th Precinct in Shirley as residents lined up for something far more meaningful than a free turkey: a reminder that their community cares.
This year marked the precinct’s eighth annual giveaway, where officers and volunteers teamed up to distribute 1,000 holiday meals—each bagged, boxed, and loaded directly into the cars of local families, noted COPE Officer Stacie Pollio.
“It’s amazing to see all of the smiling faces and to know that we are making a difference here in the community,” said Centereach resident Patricia Poggi of EJ’s PJs.
For volunteer Steven Tavarez of Stony Brook, owner of SJ Home Design, the day carried personal meaning. “I think it’s important to remember where you come from,” he said. “At one point in my life I was on the opposite side where my family needed the help, so now I’m grateful that I can contribute.”
Inspector Donald Raber called the Unity Event one of the precinct’s most rewarding efforts. “This is a great day for interacting with the community,” he said as volunteers slid meals into the cars. “They just open the door for you and throw in a turkey and all of the fixings so everyone can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner.”
Event sponsors include: Abbruzzese Floors, Azure Realty, Bulovas Restorations, Classic Floral, Clare Rose, Daggett Management, Datascan, East End Screen Printing & Embroidery, East End Sign Design, Esposito Custom Homes, EXIT Realty, Fidelis Care, Fine Fare, Hampton Coffee Company, Hampton Home Improvement, Heritage Harbor Financial Associates, Hummus Mediterranean Grill, Kidz Helping Kidz, Leisure Village Association, Martin Brower, Miller & Caggiano LLP, Performance Food Service, Propane Depot, Shirley Feed, SJ Home Design, Steuben Association, Stop & Shop, Suffolk Credit Union, The Harbor Church, Wegmans, Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner, and Legislator Jim Mazzarella.