Brooklyn Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn on Saturday held a successful Annual Turkey Distribution, continuing the tradition of uplifting the community for the upcoming holiday, and ensuring that everyone across Brooklyn can unite and celebrate with joy and gratitude.

Bichotte Hermelyn, the daughter of Haitian immigrants, who represents the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn, said: “For too many Assembly District 42 constituents, having a turkey was not on their grocery list this year.”

Therefore, Bichotte Hermelyn, chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, told Caribbean Life that she was “grateful to have distributed around 900 turkeys to households in attendance, and 25 community-based organizations (CBOS), who will be further distributing the turkeys to help our community enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.”

She said the distribution was held at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Flatbush, with elected officials, community advocates and volunteers – with the support of over 10 sponsoring organizations.

The assemblywoman said the event was “integral in helping spread the holiday spirit for individuals in need at the public giveaway.”

Bichotte Hermelyn noted that, according to the USDA, nearly 13.5 percent (18.0 million) of US households were food insecure at some time during 2023, “and this has been compounded by many facing the sting of inflation.”

“Leading up to Thanksgiving Day, we are grateful to all of the supporters who contributed their time to help the community enjoy this holiday. Distributing turkeys, cooking thanksgiving meals, delivering food and other gestures are all acts of kindness–and giving back don’t just happen during Thanksgiving; it is what our community is all about,” said Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, adding that she is focused on continuing to fight food insecurity and bolster the economy during the upcoming Legislative Session.

Sponsors included: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK)/New York Cancer Blood Specialist (shares parking lot with MSK); Associated Supermarket Group (ASG); MetroPlus Health; Haitian American Caucus (HAC) – sponsored refreshments for volunteers; Haitian American Law Enforcement Fraternity Officers (HALEFO); 70th Precinct Community Affairs; Omega Psi Phi Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter – Delta Sigma Theta National Council of Negro Women (NCNW); Carpenter Contractor Alliance of Metropolitan New York (CCA Metro); and Laborers Union Local 1010.