William Henry :
In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, Save the People USA (STPUSA) hosted an early Thanksgiving Food Distribution on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at its office located at 87-41 165th Street, Jamaica, New York. The event, themed “Only Thanks, No Hate,” served as a powerful expression of compassion, unity, and gratitude—providing hundreds of families with essential food items and resources ahead of the holiday season.
Led by Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, CEO of Save the People USA, STPUSA Office Manager Fatima Niass, and others, the initiative ensured that families had both the time and dignity to prepare for the holiday with ease. The event saw the distribution of over 400 halal turkeys, chickens, canned goods, rice, fruits, vegetables, and pantry items, reaching both Muslim and non-Muslim families across the Jamaica community.
The success of the initiative was made possible through strong partnerships with several key organizations. Met Council played a major role by supplying a wide variety of fresh produce and pantry staples — including canned vegetables, cucumbers, eggplants, rice, and beans — helping families enjoy nutritious, high-quality food for their Thanksgiving meals.
COPO (Council of Peoples Organization) contributed halal whole chickens, squash, potatoes, and other culturally appropriate items, ensuring families could prepare meaningful and traditional holiday meals. Their efforts helped foster a sense of belonging and inclusion for all community members.
Additional support came from World Humanity Service, represented by Anwar Hoque, who provided fresh bananas for distribution. The event also featured vital participation from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC-DOHMH). Dr. Rosa Zhou, Director of the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives, and her team distributed Health Bucks, giving families the opportunity to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local markets. Maria Medina, representing the NYC-DOHMH Child Care Department, assisted with community outreach and engagement, further connecting families to health and wellness resources.
Volunteers from the Jamaica Bangladesh Friends Society and local residents joined hands to manage the distribution process, ensuring every family was served with respect and care. Their active participation reflected the event’s deeper purpose — strengthening bonds of solidarity and shared responsibility within the community.
Through partnerships and collective goodwill, Save the People USA and its collaborators demonstrated what unity in action truly looks like. The Thanksgiving initiative not only provided food assistance but also reinforced the organization’s broader commitment to food security, health equity, and community wellness.
As families left with gratitude and relief, the event stood as a reminder that compassion and cooperation can transform holidays into moments of true community strength — embodying the spirit of “Only Thanks, No Hate.”
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