A Thanksgiving tradition which began in 2020 continues again this year.
A Thanksgiving holiday meal tradition continues again this year thanks to the generosity of a local anonymous family and group of prominent Camden organizations that have joined forces to bring holiday cheer to 1,500 Camden senior citizens.
The Camden Community Partnership, City of Camden, Office of the Mayor of Camden, Camden County Police Department and The Cooper Foundation delivered Thanksgiving meals to senior citizens across the City of Camden who might not otherwise have enough food to be able to enjoy the holiday on Wednesday, November 22.
“This tradition wouldn’t be possible without our generous donors and dedicated volunteers who are sharing their time this holiday season to give back to the Camden community, including our own Cooper team members and members of Rutgers University Camden,” said Philip A. Norcross, Esq., chairman of The Cooper Foundation Board.
“Collaboration and community partnerships are key to the health and prosperity of our City, particularly during challenging times. With the current impact of inflation on food prices, it’s our hope that this holiday meal provides joy and comfort this Thanksgiving.”
“I am proud to be a part of such a positive team effort and grateful to have outstanding partners in the Camden Community Partnership, the Camden County Police Department, and The Cooper Foundation,” said Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen. “Through this wonderful tradition, we are increasing food access and improving the general health throughout the Camden community. These principles of caring, giving, and serving others are at the heart of the Thanksgiving holiday. I commend our generous donors and all the volunteers who have helped provide these meals and thousands more over the years.”
“Camden Community Partnership is proud to partner again this year with the City of Camden and the Cooper Foundation to support Camden’s senior and disabled residents during the Thanksgiving holiday,” said Dana Redd, President and CEO of Camden Community Partnership. “Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude and giving, and in that spirit we want to ensure our most vulnerable Camden neighbors know they are valued and cared for by their community by providing a warm meal to enjoy. Combating food insecurity issues is at the core of our organization’s mission. As we gather with our loved ones, let us also remember those who may be alone or unable to prepare a meal for themselves.”
The turkey dinner giveaway initially began in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has become an ongoing Thanksgiving tradition to support senior citizens throughout Camden. The Cooper Foundation works with city leaders and community partners to canvass the city and personally deliver the 1,500 turkey dinners with all the fixings throughout a number of apartment complexes and senior housing facilities. Since the program began, The Cooper Foundation has distributed more than 6,000 Thanksgiving meals.
About The Cooper Foundation
The Cooper Foundation serves as the philanthropic, community outreach and community development arm of Cooper University Health Care, one of the largest health systems in southern New Jersey with over 100 outpatient offices and its flagship Cooper University Hospital located in Camden, N.J.
Learn more at foundation.cooperhealth.org