Tuesday, January 21, 2025
On Thanksgiving Moore 4 You Community Development Center, a nonprofit organization based in Freeport, made sure no one went without, hosting their second annual “Giving U Moore on Thanksgiving” event on Thursday, Nov. 28, at their location in the village.
The event, which took place on the second floor of the organization’s Freeport location at 90 Mill Road, was a resounding success, serving over 150 plates of food to individuals and families in need. The day wasn’t just about providing a meal—it was about creating a sense of community and belonging. Attendees were treated to a sit-down, five-star restaurant-style experience where they were served at their tables and even received to-go plates to take home.
“To see so many people give up their Thanksgiving day to give back to others is heart-warming,” said founder Candist White. “The best part is having my children and family there with me to embrace this feeling. They also got to see teachers like Carissa Grimaldi from Leo F. Giblyn, who taught my son, show up two years in a row along with a few other Freeport school district teachers.”
White’s connection to the community shone brightly throughout the event. A family of 12, who recently lost their father, volunteered alongside their aunt, Kenia Espinal, demonstrating incredible resilience and compassion.
“Through their pain, these children still put smiles on their faces as they served others,” White said.
The meals, donated by local restaurants and community partners, featured traditional Thanksgiving staples like turkey and stuffing, alongside dishes like rice, chicken, and fish. Participating eateries included Mi Casa Dominicana, Cosina de Chiki, Montana Brothers, Frankie’s, Coal House Grille, Churrasqueria Genesis, and Everson Catering. Local PTA members, including Freeport PTA Council and Bayview School President Sylvia Dilone, also contributed by securing donations, cooking, and serving meals.
Volunteers of all ages joined the effort, including local high school students Kayson Walker and Dylan Marin, who exemplified the spirit of giving.
Legislator Seth Koslow also attended and volunteered with his daughter, further reinforcing the importance of community and family.
Attendees didn’t leave with full stomachs alone. Each received wellness bags filled with hygiene products like toothpaste and hand warmers, ensuring their needs extended beyond the holiday were also met.
Moore 4 You’s commitment to service doesn’t stop at Thanksgiving. Earlier this year, they distributed 275 backpacks to students in the Freeport School District and are planning a unique Christmas event where parents can select gifts for their children.
Following the Thanksgiving event, the organization shared a heartfelt message with the community: “Moore 4 You would like to humbly thank each and every volunteer, sponsor, and contributor of our Giving U Moore on Thanksgiving community event. With everyone’s help, we were able to give out over 150 plates of food and supplies. Because of your generosity, whether it was a donation, food, or your time, this was possible. For these reasons, we are grateful and offer you to ever let us know if we can do ‘Moore 4 You.’”
As the event came to a close, White reflected on the day’s impact. “We just want to make sure whatever we can do to better service the entire family,” she said.
As Moore 4 You looks ahead, they are gearing up for their next initiative, Giving U Moore 4 the Holidays. This season, the organization aims to sponsor 20 families, ensuring assistance reaches those truly in need through a referral-based system. Partnering with other organizations, including the nonprofit Operation Impact, Moore 4 You is working to raise funds and donations to provide over $500 in gifts and household items of the families’ choosing for each recipient.
For those interested in becoming a sponsor or contributing to this heartwarming effort, visit https://linktr.ee/m4ucenter.
