Holiday Care Packages Made Possible Via Support from Carole and Philip A. Norcross and George E. Norcross III
(Camden, NJ) – A beloved Camden tradition continued this year as a record number of hearty holiday meals were distributed to seniors and homebound residents across the city for Thanksgiving. Launched in 2020 at the height of COVID, this year’s program distributed 2,500 meals, up from 1,500 last year.
The Camden Community Partnership, City of Camden, Office of the Mayor, Camden County Police Department, and The Cooper Foundation will join forces once again to deliver the Thanksgiving meals to those who might otherwise go without a festive dinner. New partnerships with local faith-based organizations will allow the initiative to reach even more homebound and vulnerable residents throughout Camden. The program’s expansion has been made possible through the generosity of Carole and Philip A. Norcross and George E. Norcross III, Chairman of the Cooper Board of Trustees. .
“This tradition embodies what The Cooper Foundation stands for: community, compassion, and connection,” said Phil Norcross, Chair of The Cooper Foundation and The Norcross Foundation. “Thanks to the incredible volunteers who make this effort possible, we’re helping to ensure that Camden’s seniors and homebound residents—many of whom live alone or face mobility challenges—can enjoy a warm and joyful holiday meal.”
“Working together with our partners to serve the people of Camden is at the heart of our mission and exemplifies the unity and community spirit of our city,” said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. “This Thanksgiving initiative represents the true spirit of the holiday—caring for one another and giving back. I’m deeply grateful to Phil and Carole Norcross and George Norcross and every volunteer for helping to fight food insecurity and bring comfort to our city’s seniors and homebound neighbors.”
Dana L. Redd, President and CEO of Camden Community Partnership, added, “We’re proud to once again collaborate with the City of Camden and The Cooper Foundation to care for our neighbors. With recent threats to SNAP benefits and rising food costs, far too many are struggling to put meals on the table. This program ensures our seniors and most vulnerable residents know they are valued, appreciated, and never forgotten. Expanding our reach this year through partnerships with local faith-based organizations allows us to serve even more members of our community.”
“As people of faith, we are called to serve—and this partnership allows us to reach some of the most vulnerable members of our community with dignity, compassion, and love,” said Steven T. Mack, the senior pastor of Little Rock Baptist Church. “By coming together with the City of Camden, Camden Community Partnership, The Cooper Foundation, and the Camden County Police Department, we are able to extend the spirit of Thanksgiving beyond our sanctuaries and into the homes of seniors and residents who need it most. It is a blessing to be part of an effort that reflects the very best of Camden.”
This coordinated effort is further strengthened by the involvement of our public safety partners.
“The Camden County Police Department is proud to support this annual Thanksgiving initiative, which allows our officers to connect directly with residents who may have limited access to nutritious meals,” said Camden County Police Chief Gabriel Rodriguez. We’re honored to stand with our partners to help strengthen food access and ensure our neighbors are cared for during the holiday season.”
What began in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a cherished annual tradition. This year, The Cooper Foundation and its partners are delivering 2,500 complete turkey dinners—with all the trimmings—to senior housing facilities, apartment complexes, and directly to homebound residents throughout Camden. To date, the program has provided more than 10,000 Thanksgiving meals to Camden’s seniors and homebound residents, spreading warmth, gratitude, and hope across the city.
This Thanksgiving initiative is part of a broader, year-round commitment to addressing food insecurity across Camden. Earlier this fall, The Cooper Foundation joined Mayor Victor Carstarphen, the City of Camden, and DoorDash to expand the Community Credits program, providing $10,000 in gift cards to help local organizations deliver meals, groceries, and essentials directly to families in need. Since 2023, DoorDash has contributed nearly $50,000 to support Camden residents, helping to close critical gaps in food access and strengthen the city’s efforts to care for its most vulnerable neighbors.
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About The Cooper Foundation
The Cooper Foundation supports the patients, services, research and educational programs of Cooper University Health Care, one of the largest health systems in southern New Jersey. By partnering with the community, we help Cooper thrive and do more for the people of South Jersey. Generosity allows Cooper to deliver research that leads to cures, growth and development that transforms communities and care that goes beyond the ordinary for patients and their families.
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