Loaves & Fishes Delivers Thanksgiving Food and More

Saturday, Newburgh Loaves and Fishes continued its long- standing tradition, tracing back to 1998, providing all the fixings for a Thanksgiving holiday meal. Thanks to the generous donations of local churches as well as multiple individuals near and far, close to 3000 people, spanning 800 families were provided a choice of a turkey or chicken, along with stuffing and potato mixes, gravy, fresh fruit and vegetable, beans, bread, dessert items, and a host of other delicious food to create a meal and celebrate Thanksgiving.
Saturday, Newburgh Loaves and Fishes continued its long- standing tradition, tracing back to 1998, providing all the fixings for a Thanksgiving holiday meal. Thanks to the generous donations of local churches as well as multiple individuals near and far, close to 3000 people, spanning 800 families were provided a choice of a turkey or chicken, along with stuffing and potato mixes, gravy, fresh fruit and vegetable, beans, bread, dessert items, and a host of other delicious food to create a meal and celebrate Thanksgiving.

By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – When Karen Lopez reached out to lend a hand at Newburgh Loaves & Fishes, Inc., it was about attaining community service hours for school; however it quickly evolved into an assortment of priceless life gifts.

“I really enjoy volunteering here; its especially nice to see how everyone comes together, something so important now-more than ever- in these challenging times when so many struggle,” said the 2024 Newburgh Free Academy graduate now attending SUNY Orange. “It’s really purposeful and rewarding to help out here, meeting and socializing as well as getting out of your comfort zone; I’ve met people from Ecuador, Columbia and Venezuela, learning about their stories, seeing the impact up-close-and personal.”

Healthfirst volunteers on Saturday, joined with Newburgh Loaves and Fishes as it continued its long- standing tradition, tracing back to 1998, providing all the fixings for a Thanksgiving holiday meal.
Healthfirst volunteers on Saturday, joined with Newburgh Loaves and Fishes as it continued its long- standing tradition, tracing back to 1998, providing all the fixings for a Thanksgiving holiday meal.

Lopez was one of a large contingent of diligent, passionate volunteers, contributing to the long-standing Newburgh Loaves & Fishes, Inc. Annual Turkey Distribution happening at Sacred Heart School on 301 Ann Street at the Deacon Jack Seymour Food Pantry Saturday morning. With deep roots, tracing back to 1998, when an ensemble of local food pantries realized they could accomplish more by merging together, the local Loaves & Fishes, Inc. group is fueled by food donations from a vast assortment of churches as well as individual monetary contributions from Newburgh folks as well as many relocated ones all over the country, including Texas and North Carolina. The end result is around 2800 people and 800 families receiving food products to make a much-treasured, homemade Thanksgiving meal, complete with over 500 large turkeys and 300 chickens distributed along with all the traditional trimmings.

“The best part of today is all this food was donated and money was donated by so many to help us supply all of it,” said Irma Bahr-Madrid, the Chairperson of Newburgh Loaves & Fishes, Inc. as well as involved with the organization since 2018. Also, the volunteers really help out; many work at other food pantries as well as the one here: Deacon Jack Seymour.”

Those devoted volunteers could be seen, smiling and offering holiday cheer, while handing over a wide variety of offerings: fresh produce, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, canned yams and other items to grateful guests, who patiently waited in smooth flowing lines, both inside and outside, Sacred Heart. At the latter, where at the first stop turkey and chicken bags were given, hot chocolate was provided by Healthfirst.

“I really appreciate and need this place,” said Tammi Barber, who was attending the event for the third year. “There are so many items available here, both canned and fresh, and everyone is just so nice, outgoing and positive.”

Whether it was handing over a bagged frozen turkey or chicken or providing beverage for warmth outside or a food item and positive vibes indoors, that uplifting spirit transcended the entire event, making all involved joyful and hopeful. It’s a fluid scene that Newburgh Loaves & Fishes, Inc. takes pride in, leading to integral efficiency and precious community, providing both tangible and intangible rewards for volunteers as well as guests.

“I look at this and see a well-fueled machine,” said Paul Zalinowski, who directs Deacon Jack Seymour Food Pantry with his wife Linda, and are both veteran Loaves & Fishes participants. “The workers all make this happen, and jump in to help with whatever we need, making for a very busy, organized and rewarding day.”

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