Mid Hudson Times Nov. 23 2016 | Page 3

Mid Hudson Times, Wednesday, November 23, 2016 3 We Are Newburgh hosts Thanksgiving giveaway By SHANTAL RILEY [email protected] The clothes were piled high and volunteers stood at the ready to serve turkey and stuffing. An early Thanksgiving Day giving event was held at the City of Newburgh Activity Center on Sunday, offering free haircuts, clothes and a warm Thanksgiving dinner. “It’s about community,” said Farrah Brooks, who co-sponsored the event with We Are Newburgh, Unusual Suspects clothing company and community activist Schnekwa McNeil. People lined up for haircuts, donated by Fade Inn Society Barbershop, and left with large bags filled with shoes and clothing. The event aimed to serve up to 200 people. But, at least 200 people had arrived less than an hour after the giveaway started. “It’s an every-day struggle,” said Roseann Ryan. “I have a family of 11, so I’m here looking for some of everything.” “Today was emotional for me, to see all these families,” said We Are Newburgh founder Joe Alvarez. “Our community is wonderful.” We Are Newburgh will host a Christmas toy giveaway in December. For more information, visit the We Are Newburgh Facebook page. Volunteers serve food at an early Thanksgiving giveaway event sponsored by We Are Newburgh on Sunday. Fade Inn Society Barbershop barbers give free haircuts at a pre-Thanksgiving giveaway event at the City of Newburgh Activity Center on Sunday. Farrah Brooks, pictured left, co-sponsored a pre-Thanksgiving giveaway event at the City of Newburgh Activity Center on Sunday..