Children of the City once again spreads hope and cheer in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, at a two day event for disadvantaged families.
Children and parents gathered first on Saturday, Nov. 19th where they received their Thanksgiving voucher, but it was so much more than that. Children were entertained by music, Muppet shows, various interactive lessons on thankfulness, and how to overcome poverty. Simultaneously, parents were gathered in their own session to hear presentations from community leaders and advocates; men and woman who themselves have come from backgrounds of disadvantage, but have since become financially secure, breaking the prevailing patterns of dependency that have plagued this neighborhood. Parents were encouraged as to how they can guide their children into strong habits of academia so that their children will not perpetuate cycles of poverty that too often are carried over for multiple generations.
The following day families came out with their vouchers to receive their Box of Love; a complete box containing a Turkey and all the trimmings for a plentiful Thanksgiving meal. We were able to provide additional needs to many families, some of them coming with their children from local shelters.
Due to our increasing partnership with local schools, Children of the City is able to identify the neediest of families, and connect them to the resources and support we provide.
This amazing event was made possible by the support of a few partners, including CRU NYC, who supplied the boxes of love. The Lacobucci family from Amorisi landscaping, and Rocco Basile from Avo Construction provided the Turkeys to go with the Boxes of Love. Rocco Basile is a former board member who has remained passionate and invested in the work that COC is doing in one of the most underserved communities in Brooklyn. He has dedicated much of his time and resources to see the organization develop and extend its reach.
“We have hosted this event for the last 30 years” shares Founder and Executive Director Joyce Mattera, “and it never gets old. The community has witnessed many wonderful changes, and has seen many disadvantaged families move on with the support of COC to live successful lives, and come back to give back”. Children of the City headquarters are located in the Sunset Park area of Brooklyn, serving southwest Brooklyn to “Break the Cycles of Poverty through Education and Outreach”.
