Easter Seals Regional Director Robin Doick, Assistant Director Kiley Trigani, Outreach Coordinator Barbara Kuczyra, and Senior Vice President of Organizational Development John McGrath were among the many organizational managers on hand to assist with Monday’s holiday Outreach program. They handed out thousands of pounds of food as well as smiles and hope for local families during what they called very difficult economic times for families. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

Turkeys and other food and holiday supplies continued to arrive throughout the hours of the Easter Seals outreach distribution. Many volunteers not only donated items but also assisted with their distribution. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

Jackie Winkler (pictured), Front End Zone Supervisor for Westfall’s WalMart, and Store Manager Reginald Smith (not pictured) were among the individuals and organizations that kept donations coming in during Easter Seals’ Outreach Program hosted this week in Port Jervis. The WalMart duo brought turkeys from the Westfall store. (Photo by Sharon Siegel)

By Sharon E. Siegel

PORT JERVIS — Hundreds of local residents turned out this week to accept food and other gifts provided through an annual Thanksgiving Outreach hosted by Easter Seals of New York and New York Fraternal Order of Police.  People began lining up outside the Temple Beth El/Project Discovery distribution site on East Main Street by 7 a.m. Monday morning for the 11 a.m. opening time of the event.   They arrived in cars, trucks, riding bicycles –some with wagons attached by rope – or walking with strollers, wagons, and other carts to transport their turkey and other holiday trimmings home for their Thanksgiving dinners.

Although the inside of the temple was jam-packed with recipients throughout the program’s distribution time, it was calm, orderly, and clearly appreciated by those who made their way along the many tables filled with foods, toys, clothing, and informational handouts.

“People in Port Jervis know what this is all about, and they know we are here to serve them as best we can.  Life is about serving others,” said John McGrath, Regional Senior Vice President of Organizational Development for Easter Seals.  “We have held this outreach program monthly for about the past three years, and plan to continue as long as there is need.  We do it mid-month to strategically try to best help people make it between monthly checks, and to also help the working poor. “

McGrath said attendance has increased over the past few years, a fact that he attributes to high unemployment in the state, a poor economy, and low local pay rates.  His organization is committed to helping to tip the tables back and assist local families in making it through especially difficult times.

“Easter Seals New York knows how important it is for families to come together during the holidays,” said McGrath.  “We are committed to the Port Jervis community and want to make sure that every family has the chance to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal, despite the difficult economy.”

While Easter Seals hosts the outreach program monthly, this month’s distribution was one of two larger special holiday giveaways held each year.  More than 200 turkeys were handed out along with more than 25,000 pounds of food and other holiday trimmings this week.  It is estimated to have assisted thousands of individuals in Port Jervis.

On hand to assist with the distribution were members of local organizations and businesses, including local, county and state police organizations.  The event was partnered with New York State Fraternal Order of Police, who donated the majority of the food.

“The New York State Fraternal Order of Police is a champion for those who are less fortunate and we are always very grateful to have their support, especially in times like these,” said McGrath.

Mike Essig, Second Vice President of the New York State Fraternal Order of Police and a member of the Easter Seals New York Hudson Valley Regional Board, said his organization is pleased to be able to assist and provide hope and food, particularly during this holiday time of the year.

“We are honored to help meet this tremendous need by supporting the Easter Seals New York outreach program.  We look forward to continuing to help even more people in the area,” said Essig.

In addition to holiday donations received, Easter Seals Regional Director Robin Doick said other donations included coats received from United Way, food from the Rotary Club, and a shipment of sleeping bags and other winter supplies provided for distribution.

Next month’s December outreach distribution will also include supplies for holiday dinners, along with thousands of toys and other holiday items.  For more information, visit www.eastersealny.org or Outreach Coordinator Barbara Kuczyra at 845-858-2874.