Food Pantries Events
Thanksgiving in February
"It is in the bleakest moments that The Capuchin Food Pantries shine the brightest."
The Capuchin Food Pantries along with Con Edison held their Sixth Annual "Thanksgiving in February" Feast, which is a sit down Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings served to over 1,000 underprivileged individuals. The Affinia Manhattan Hotel opened the doors of their Grand Ballroom to host the event on Saturday, February 16, 2008. The delicious meal was sponsored by Macy's and prepared by Chef Dale of Niles Restaurant. Others contributors from our "Family of Sponsors" included: Bagel Maven, Starbucks, D'Agostino and Jordan Almonds. The long-past holiday spirit was reignited by our volunteers who came to serve meals, greet guests, and perform face painting for the children. Magic Dave brought along his bag of tricks, and a special appearance by Spiderman surprised everyone.
The event was a huge success which brought joy to the lives of some of New York's less fortunate families.
Children's Arts & Crafts Luncheon
The basic components of an arts and crafts activity are to pass the time, calm the mind, and stimulate creativity, often resulting in increased self confidence. This trait is a building block of The Capuchin Food Pantries Objectives.
Creativity and self expression are key factors in the development of our children. It was with this purpose in mind that The Capuchin Food Pantries added the "Children's Arts & Crafts Luncheon" to its program year. The afternoon begins with basic instructions in crafts, followed by a period of personalized creative encouragement by our volunteers. A healthy catered lunch is served, and the afternoon continues with music, dancing and the completion of the craft projects. Each child receives a gift bag with art supplies, puzzles, activity books and even a toy. The day is a creatively charged recreational outing for the children served by The Capuchin Food Pantries.
Summer Barbeque
Food and fellowship go hand in hand every summer as families enjoy an old fashioned barbeque. Generations gather together and celebrate long-standing summer traditions with each other. Providing food is the basis for The Capuchin Food Pantries, but when our volunteers step in, even a simple meal becomes a memorable event for the needy.
The Capuchin Food Pantries unload a chuck wagon full of "good eats" for a fun filled "Summer Barbeque" for over 500 of our clients. This old-fashioned family meal is never affected by the weather, as it is held in the comforts of a Midtown Manhattan Hotel. A complete traditional barbeque menu is served by volunteers, with everything from hotdogs and hamburgers, to baked beans and potato salad, as well as cake and ice cream. Country Western music is the theme for the day, and often results in some very interesting impromptu dancing. Children participate is games for prizes, and the adults receive a special gift to remember the day. The Capuchin Food Pantries proudly host this twist on a summer barbeque, and everyone has an afternoon of good food and lots of laughter.
Back-to School Picnics
As the summer months come to an end and most of our vacation memories begin to fade, The Capuchin Food Pantries respond to the needy by creating a day full of new memories in celebration of summer and the beginning to a new school year.
Every child enjoys the freedom that summertime offers. But with children at home during these months, and not benefiting from school breakfast and lunch programs, families of The Capuchin Food Pantries feel an increase on their food and nutritional needs. This often means that by the end of summer parents cannot afford the many items returning to school requires. "Back-to-School Picnics" are held each August by The Capuchin Food Pantries to help parents stretch their resources by presenting children with gift bags filled with school supplies at the close of a relaxing day of good food and company. Popular picnic spots provide peaceful settings for a fun filled day when families come together to enjoy a wonderful catered barbeque lunch. Adults and children participate in playing games, visiting old friends and just enjoying the beautiful sunny day together. "Back-to-School Picnics" are one small way The Capuchin Food Pantries continue to treat our clients with dignity, while encouraging them to look forward with hope.
December Holiday Parties
The Holiday Season finds so many of us concentrating on shopping for gifts and attending parties. The clients of The Capuchin Food Pantries are simply concentrating on providing enough food for themselves and their families. It is with open arms that the less fortunate are embraced by The Capuchin Food Pantries to be included in joyous Holiday Parties just for them.
Warming the hearts of the clients of The Capuchin Food Pantries with Holiday Parties is a special way we end our Program year. A complete holiday meal is served by our volunteers to over 500 to 900 poor families in different venues throughout our Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Bronx and Long Island Food Pantries. Toys and gifts are provided to all the children, and the parents always enjoy the entertainers and music of the season. Sing-Alongs lead by volunteers add to the festivities. The Capuchin Food Pantries Holiday Parties are always overwhelming successes and help to make the season brighter for all of our clients who attend.