The kitchen, located on Neilson Street in Downtown New Brunswick, has served Thanksgiving dinners since its inception in 1989, said Executive Director Jim Zullo.
NEW BRUNSWICK -- Officials with the Elijah's Promise community kitchen estimated approximately 200 meals were served on Thursday.
The kitchen, located on Neilson Street in downtown New Brunswick, has served Thanksgiving meals since its inception in 1989, said Executive Director Jim Zullo.
"Thanksgiving is always a day that we get so much support," Zullo said.
He said along with the Thanksgiving day meal, Elijah's Promise also offers turkeys leading up to the holiday to those who are less fortunate. On Wednesday, for example, Zullo said the kitchen got a call from a resident of a neighboring suburb who had recently lost his job. The man was in need of a turkey and was "obviously distraught" about having to call the kitchen for one.
"It's always gratifying to do that," Zullo said of giving the man a turkey.
Elijah's Promise is open seven days a week. They serve meals from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Friday and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The kitchen serves an average of 300 meals a day.
In addition to meals, Elijah's Promise offers a number of social services, including health screenings, vision tests and support for those with substance abuse problems.
And on winter nights when the temperature drops below 20 degrees, the kitchen acts as a warming center for those who need a place to stay.
Zullo said it's great having so much support on Thanksgiving, but Elijah's Promise is always in need of volunteers all-year round.
"I would encourage people to go online (and) set up a time to volunteer," Zullo said. "We always need volunteers and we always welcome them. We have over 3,000 volunteers come through the facility on an annual basis. It's really critical to allow us to do what we do."
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