Friday, January 17, 2025
Thanksgiving Day can be a challenging time for individuals without family nearby or the resources to enjoy a warm holiday meal.
This year, Moore 4 You, a nonprofit organization based in Freeport, is stepping in to ensure that no one goes without on the day itself, Thursday, Nov. 28 out of their location in the village.
“We provide a meal for the day, whether it’s for somebody like a family, a person, an elderly, a veteran, just somebody who needs a meal that day in between the times of 11 and two,” explained Racquel Levine, the nonprofit’s Community Outreach Coordinator.
Operating out of their location at 90 Mill Road, Suite 201, Moore 4 You has been making a difference in Freeport for the past two years. Founded by Candist White, the organization is built on a family legacy of service.
“The name of the organization, Moore, M-O-O-R-E, is a family name,” said White, about the name derived from her maternal lineage. “We kind of play off of the ‘more,’ because that’s what we want to do. We want to do more for you.”
The event, which will take place on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, marks the second year of Moore 4 You’s holiday meal initiative. Last year’s event served about 75 people, and this year, the organization anticipates welcoming between 100 and 225 attendees.
The meals, donated by local restaurants and community partners, include Thanksgiving staples like turkey and stuffing as well as rice, chicken, fish, and other dishes.
“The donations came from a local restaurant in Freeport… who gave us three or four full trays of rice, chicken rice, turkey, and beans,” said Levine. “Another connection of mine, he’s called Everson Chef, is providing us three trays of food, which is rice, chicken, and a salad. We also work with a food truck in Baldwin, Freeport. They’re giving us 100 people’s worth of food, of different items.”
The event is open to anyone in need, whether they are veterans, elderly individuals without family nearby, or simply someone looking for fellowship.
“It’s not just for people who are in low economic standing; it’s for anybody who really just needs a meal and wants to be around a social gathering,” Levine added. Attendees won’t just leave with full stomachs. Moore 4 You is also providing wellness bags filled with hygiene products like toothpaste and hand warmers.
White emphasized the organization’s commitment to creating an experience that’s welcoming and dignified.
“We set it up like a five-star restaurant, so that it’s not like just a buffet,” said White.
“You actually get served, and then you can also take food to go.”
Volunteers, including local children will be serving the meals in chef hats and aprons.
The Thanksgiving initiative is just one of many ways Moore 4 You supports the Freeport community. This past August, the organization distributed 275 backpacks to children in the Freeport School District, and they’re planning a unique Christmas event where parents can select gifts for their children.
As Moore 4 You continues to grow, its impact on the community is undeniable. From its endorsement by Verizon for Small Business Month to its expanding list of services, the organization is dedicated to serving families and individuals with care and respect.
For more information about Moore 4 You or to support its mission, visit their location at 90 Mill Road or contact them through email.
As White expressed, “We just want to make sure whatever we can do to better service the entire family.”
