Senator Malcolm A. Smith Distributes Thanksgiving Turkeys

Malcolm A. Smith

November 18, 2007

Noting that "the concept of Thanksgiving is that everyone working together creates a huge accomplishment," State Senate Democratic Leader Malcolm A. Smith (D-Queens) once again distributed over 200 Thanksgiving turkeys on Monday and Tuesday to community organizations located throughout the 14th Senatorial District.

HealthPlus and Arverne by the Sea co-sponsored the annual holiday event.

"On Thanksgiving Day, while many of us will be sharing festive meals with families and friends, there are some who, through no fault of their own, go without," said Senator Smith. "This week, as I think of all that I am grateful for in my life, I am also thinking of them."

Senator Smith noted that Thanksgiving, as celebrated in America’s early history, was a time when a community came together to celebrate a successful harvest. Today, the holiday is an opportunity for family members and friends to come together and give thanks by sharing a traditional meal.

"Our annual program continues the tradition of community members working together to support one another, especially those individuals in need of a helping hand," the Queens lawmaker said.

"I realize the true meaning of the holiday can be seen everyday in the small acts of kindness among strangers, the charitable work of volunteers, and the generosity of our neighbors, family and friends," Senator Smith concluded. "In many ways, Thanksgiving represents the ideals we should strive to achieve every day."