POUGHKEEPSIE — CSEA members showcased the spirit of giving back at the Northeast Regional Food Bank’s Thanksgiving Food Distribution on Nov. 22.
In just one day, more than 350,000 meals were distributed across 23 counties by more than 3,000 volunteers.
CSEA members volunteered at numerous sites, demonstrating how solidarity extends beyond our union and into our communities.
Dutchess County Community College (DCCC) in Poughkeepsie was one of 25 distribution sites across the state identified to help feed neighbors in need.
When CSEA members and staff learned from CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan that volunteers were needed, they jumped into action and signed up to serve.
Pawling Central School District Unit Executive Vice President Susan Morgan and unit members Shannon Nasser and Denise Otis each saw Sullivan’s email and “thought it would be nice to come out to help in our community,” said Nasser.
CSEA members joined DCCC food pantry employees and community volunteers to distribute hundreds of food bags containing turkeys, fruit, dinner rolls, canned goods, pies and more.
With recent instability around federal programs that support families and statewide food insecurity, volunteering at this event not only provided a holiday meal for many families but also helped foster unity.
Maria Tompkins, who works at DCCC’s Social Services Department, sees the positive impact of food distribution events firsthand.
“I walk through the building every day and I see the situation,” said Tompkins, who was eager to step up and volunteer. “We need so much help.”
Stacie-Ann Sullivan, a senior court reporter at the state’s Unified Court System and a Region III Judiciary Local member, noted that she wanted to pass positive sentiments along to her community “in any small way that I can.”
Like many in our union family, Department of Transportation, Region 8 (Poughkeepsie) Local Treasurer Johnny Nasser is “always down to volunteer for a good cause.” He spent the morning helping move large boxes of food off palettes, breaking down cardboard boxes and restocking the distribution line.
Alyson Stewart, a secretary in Allied Health & Biological Sciences Department at DCCC, often volunteers at the campus food pantry. But the timing of this event was especially meaningful.
“I do it to honor my parents, who were very involved in their food pantry when they were alive. Tomorrow is their anniversary,” said Stewart.
Sue Lintner, Northeast Regional Food Bank chief advocacy and engagement officer, spoke at a press conference prior to the distribution day.
“Just like they have all done in the past, labor turned out in full force,” said Lintner “They’ve donated food, time and contributed financially to support our efforts.”
— Alexandra Whitbeck
at the Northeast Regional Food Bank’s Thanksgiving distribution.
Eachus volunteer at Mount Saint Mary College
with Hudson Valley DDSO Local executive board
member Rachel Murphy. Behind Murphy is her
fiancé, Tim Cherry.
Civil Service Local
member Lisa Douse
helps pack a vehicle.
and Local Secretary Kathy Wills distribute food at Mount Saint Mary College.
volunteer at the Hudson Valley Community College event.
Services Local member Sam Sarhadi volunteers at the Northeast Regional Food Bank
headquarters in Latham.
members Theresa Sulliuvan, Charles
Rusinovich and Matthew Carpenter and
CSEA Capital Region President Shana Davis
pack turkeys into the bags.
Capital Region members, union staff and other volunteers pose at the
Northeast Regional Food Bank event in Latham.
Local member Maria Tompkins goes through the assembly line prepping bags of food.