United Way of New York City Provides Hot Thanksgiving Dinners on Black Friday for those on Coney Island Hardest Hit by Hurricane Sandy

NEW YORK, Nov. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In lieu of shopping, many New Yorkers are donating their time on Black Friday to helping out the victims of Hurricane Sandy. United Way of New York City will provide 1,000 Thanksgiving turkey dinners for residents of Coney Island on Black Friday, offering a hot and comforting meal in the midst of the community's recovery.

The event will take place at Our Lady of Solace Church between 11:00AM and 2:00PM. Dozens of United Way volunteers will be on hand to serve the meals to residents of Coney Island. Michael Scott Caterers will donate its services to prepare the meals, which are supported through contributions made to United Way of New York City's "Operation Turkey."

In addition to coordinating volunteer events in the hardest hit communities in New York, United Way of New York City has partnered with United Way U.S.A. in managing the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund (#sandyfund). Contributions to the Fund will be used by local United Ways along the Eastern Seaboard to address the near and long-term recovery needs of communities most affected by the hurricane, including bolstering United Way's community-based partners that serve Hurricane affected individuals and families who are already vulnerable -- struggling with food insecurity and the ability to meet their most basic needs.

Donations to the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund can be made online at uwsandyrecovery.org.  A $10 donation can be made by texting the word RECOVERY to 52000. Promote the United Way Hurricane Sandy Recovery Fund on Twitter using #sandyfund.

About United Way of New York City  
United Way of New York City fights poverty across the five boroughs. We design and invest in evidence-based programs that help low-income New Yorkers achieve educational success, income stability and good health. We rigorously evaluate our work and use lessons learned to inform and advance public policies and practices that prevent and alleviate poverty citywide. To learn more about our work and how to get involved, visit www.UnitedWayNYC.org,follow us on Twitter (@unitedwaynyc), or like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/unitedwaynyc).

Contact: 
Kamian Allen - 212-671-0892 
[email protected]  

Larry Kopp - 917-282-2357  
[email protected]

SOURCE United Way of New York City