Giving Thanks and Giving Back: NJCDC’s Annual Turkey Basket Giveaway Brings Holiday Cheer to Paterson Families

Watch our 2025 Turkey Basket Giveaway Video Short

On the evening of November 25, NJCDC’s Great Falls Youth Center was filled with the spirit of gratitude and community. More than 250 neighborhood residents — a mix of children and adults — gathered together as NJCDC staff and volunteers distributed over 100 Thanksgiving baskets complete with turkeys, mashed potatoes, stuffing, peas, corn, cranberry sauce, and gravy. NJCDC is grateful to Bob and Linda Daleo for helping to underwrite the event.

NJCDC Founder & CEO Bob Guarasci welcomed families with heartfelt remarks, sharing how much the organization values moments like these: “NJCDC is committed to helping people here throughout the Great Falls neighborhood and across Paterson. It’s a privilege to do this work — especially at this time of year, when we’re reminded how generosity and community make it all possible.”

Eddie Gonzalez, NJCDC’s Director of Community Outreach, also thanked families for being part of the NJCDC community. “We’re proud to help and to be part of your family — just as you’re part of ours,” he said. “Our doors are always open to assist you, not only during the holidays, but whenever you need support.”

After the warm welcomes, Great Scott the Magician captivated the crowd with a lively performance full of illusions, laughter, and wide-eyed amazement — a highlight for both kids and adults alike.

Throughout the evening, Cristina Tone, Director of NJCDC’s Neighborhood Help Center, spread the word about NJCDC’s free lead-safe program and encouraged residents to volunteer or take part in the organization’s free ESL classes at the Community Charter School of Paterson. Volunteers were also recognized for their vital contributions to making the event a success.

For volunteer Kenan, the experience was deeply fulfilling: “What I enjoyed most about volunteering today was being able to give back to others who need it more than I do. Seeing so many families come here for Thanksgiving brings joy to my heart — especially knowing that some can’t afford a turkey. It’s great that NJCDC does this every year.”

For many families, the baskets provided a much-needed boost before the holiday. “To be able to get this Thanksgiving meal from NJCDC means a lot to my family and me,” said Mariel, a neighborhood resident. “I have ten kids, so this is a great help — a turkey and some goods to make a Thanksgiving meal really mean a lot.”

The evening captured what NJCDC is all about — neighbors coming together to uplift one another and build a stronger, more caring Paterson.