Green Acres hosts terrific turkey giveaway

Green Acres Mall, managed by Macerich, embraced the Thanksgiving spirit in an impactful way.

Partnering with non-profit organizations, local elected officials, community leaders, and food pantries, the mall organized a turkey distribution event. Nearly 1,000 turkeys were ready to find their way to the tables of families in need.

Organizations involved included Island Harvest, House of Hope Food Distribution Center, Holy Name of Mary Food Distribution Center in Valley Stream, Saint Boniface Human Services Food Distribution in Elmont, Nassau County Council of Clergy, Gammy’s Pantry in Lawrence, JCC- The Greater Five Towns food pantry, Emanual Baptist Church in Elmont, Bethany French Baptist Church in Elmont, Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Valley Stream, Muhammadi Masjid in Elmont, Masjid Hamza Islamic Center in Valley Stream, Parkhurst Civic Association in Elmont, Bishop Mackey Tabernacle Church in Uniondale, and the Roosevelt Chamber of Commerce.

The organizations retrieved the turkeys from the mall and distributed them throughout the community in preparation for Thanksgiving.

Two giveaways were organized: one on Nov. 15 with regular turkeys and the other on Nov. 16 offering kosher and halal turkeys.

“The corporate, Macerich, and Green Acres have a philosophy of giving to the community,” Green Acres Marketing Manager, Jill Bromberg said. “And this is our way to give to everybody. We have kosher turkeys, halal turkeys, and regular turkeys for the community and it’s our mission and pleasure to do so.”

Green Acres actively reached out to the community, consulting with different organizations and community leaders to understand the specific needs. Realizing the substantial demand, the team decided to personally contribute by dipping into their own pockets to address these identified needs.

“We’re excited because turkeys were really expensive this year and it’s an opportunity to give back and be part of the community because we like to see ourselves as part of the community,” Bromberg said. “And hopefully, people use Green Acres as a community center, not just a shopping center.”

Employees and volunteers, including Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages and Legislative Assistant Reva Whitehead, worked together to unload the truck and distribute the turkeys to different organizations.

“It’s been fun being part of this because there are a lot of families who can’t afford turkeys, who can’t afford Thanksgiving dinner,” Whitehead said. “And it’s honestly a blessing to be a part of helping these families be able to have that special day with their families.”