STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It was Dawn Rizzo’s own struggle with hunger that inspired her to help others with getting food on the table for Thanksgiving.
Rizzo is the president and founder of the NYC Yoga project -- an organization that uses yoga tools and techniques for those who are in need of help because of economic status.
She said she was 8 years old when her mother struggled with illness, causing her to live in a situation in which she didn’t know when her next meal would come.
“There are many kids in this situation,” said Rizzo. “Thanksgiving is one of those days where you don’t know if a kid will have a turkey on the table."
The organization will be hosting a Thanksgiving Basket Brigade -- which aims to provide a holiday dinner for those who need it most.
The Basket Brigade will take place Sunday, Nov. 18, from 9 a.m. to noon, in the back parking lot of Be Yoga and Dance Studio in Rosebank. The event will provide over 30 Thanksgiving food baskets donated by Trader Joe’s -- along with other holiday favorites donated by Staten Island Performing Provider Services and the yoga community.
HOW TO HELP:
Non-perishable food can be donated through Thanksgiving to 1270 Bay St. A turkey and fresh vegetables can be donated the morning of the event on Nov. 18. Volunteers are needed to decorate, assemble and deliver the baskets. If you wish to join, you can sign up here.
ITEMS TO BE COLLECTED:
- Standard disposable turkey pans
- Tin foil
- Boxed stuffing
- Canned vegetables
- Instant potatoes
- Pumpkin pies
- Box mac and cheese
- Box Jiffy Muffins
- Brown rice
- Cans of cranberry sauce
- Cans of gravy