Families across Suffolk County will sit down to a full Thanksgiving dinner this week thanks to an annual holiday meal distribution led by Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. and his office’s START program, which brought together community organizations, volunteers, and faith-based groups to deliver hundreds of turkeys and fixings to residents in need.
The giveaway, now in its fifth year, relies on a network of service providers who pre-qualify families and arrange pickups in advance. “A lot of people don’t realize how many of our neighbors are struggling,” Sheriff Toulon said as officers loaded bags into waiting cars. “Our goal is simple: make sure every family—especially those who’ve been hit hard—has the chance to sit down to a real Thanksgiving meal. It’s something every family deserves.”
Volunteers from more than a dozen community groups took part, including True North Community Church of Bohemia, Lighthouse Mission, Bethel Church of Bay Shore, New Hour, Cops ‘n Kids, local food banks, and service organizations connected to the sheriff’s reentry network.
Artie Sanchez of True North said his church had families waiting back home who otherwise wouldn’t have a holiday meal at all. “You can’t imagine what a turkey and a bag of sides means to a mom who’s been choosing between the electric bill and groceries,” he said. “This is the kind of help that changes someone’s week—and sometimes their outlook.”
New Hour for Women and Children in Brentwood also participated, gathering meals for needy families. “Moments like this remind them that the community still cares,” said Program Director Danielle Donaphin.
Tom Bivona, president of the Suffolk Deputy Sheriffs PBA, said deputies look forward to the event each year. “This is policing at its best—serving with compassion,” he said. “Our members are proud to be here.”
Toulon credited the Sheriff’s Transition and Reentry Team—formed in 2020 to support people returning from custody with housing, employment, ID services, and treatment referrals—for helping identify families most in need. “START connects us to the right organizations,” he said. “That’s how we make sure these meals reach the people who truly need them.”