Orange residents stand in line at the turkey giveaway.
ORANGE — In an effort to help some of the residents feeling the financial pinch around holidays, the Orange Police Department hosted its first Thanksgiving turkey giveaway Monday, Nov. 25 at Police Headquarters, where Orange Mayor Dwayne D. Warren joined his brother, police Director Todd Warren, to host the event for local families.
“The spirit of giving was well-served this week, as the Orange Police Department sponsored their first annual turkey drive,” said Mayor Warren in a quote sent to the Record-Transcript after the event. “Beyond baskets of cheer, the Orange Police Department connected with people on a community level, as holidays are often times the loneliest times of the year.”
“Orange residents in need were given equal portions of Thanksgiving fare and cheer at the Orange Police Department Annual Turkey Giveaway. We are blessed to be a blessing to our neighbors and friends,” he added.
This year’s Thanksgiving turkey giveaway saw a multitude of sponsors who were ready to help the department in its crusade to spread holiday cheer throughout the township.
TJ Caleca, founder and president of Proud Living Communities, a property management company, donated 175 turkeys to give away at the event. Richard Gator, of Marcus & Millichap, a real estate investment firm, also participated in the event by donating 100 bags of groceries containing holiday essentials.
Wayne Lee, the owner of BBall Shootout, who organizes youth basketball games, donated $500 in ShopRite gift cards so residents could visit any local ShopRite location to purchase additional Thanksgiving needs.
Nikki Amos, president of the Orange Police Athletic League Board, organized and collaborated with business partners to bring this event to Orange residents.
“It’s about us coming together as a community to assist and help when and where we can,” Amos told the Record-Transcript after the event.
All 175 turkeys were given away to the long line of Orange residents waiting outside the Orange Police Department.
Todd Warren said he was just glad to pay it forward by giving back to the community this holiday season.
“This is a small token from the Orange Police Department to help families in our community this season of giving,” Todd Warren told the Record-Transcript on Sunday, Dec. 1. “In addition to our officers being on the streets of Orange protecting the community, today we are serving our public.”
“Orange’s Police Department is fully entrenched in all levels of our community, from protecting our children to helping our seniors, providing for those in need and participating in community events that engage all residents of Orange,” he added. “We hope this will remind others to pay it forward.”
Photos by EmilyAnn Jackman.
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