Local church gives residents something to be thankful for

Thanksgiving came early this year at Mary Queen of HeavenChurch.

On Saturday November 19, about 20 volunteers gave out completeturkey dinners to 75 families from the Flatlands area at the parishhall.

We have to make sure they are in need and we don’t give it outto anyone off the street, said Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, pastorof the East 56th Street church. They have to fill out anapplication beforehand and are screened.

The families enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast with all thetrimmings, including stuffing, cranberries, vegetables, fruit,potatoes and of course, pumpkin pie.

It gives you a good feeling when you are able to help those inneed, Gigantiello said, noting that Mary Queen of Heaven has beengiving out Thanksgiving dinners to those in need for the past 25years.

You feel blessed that you are able to have a wonderfulThanksgiving dinner with family and friends, he added. When youare sitting around the table with them, it makes you feel good toknow that you are able to help someone out who may have not havehad the chance otherwise.

But this is not the only time that Mary Queen of Heaven servesthose who need it the most. Gigantiello said that they give outfood twice a month to the hungry at the parish center.

But on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, we give out biggeramounts of food, he explained.