For the 23rd time the Greek-American Homeowners Association (GAHOA) brought a full, free Thanksgiving dinner to the community and to families in need in Astoria on November 22. The room was filled with the smell and feeling of the holiday—gravy and gratitude, turkey and thanks.
According to GAHOA President George Alexiou, honorary president and chairman of the Thanksgiving Day dinner, more than 100 turkeys would be prepared.
“Everything was donated. We deliver meals to people. They come and go today and have some turkey, sweet potato, dessert and a glass of wine,” he said.
His Eminence Archbishop Dimitrios of America also offered his blessings for the event.
“It’s a very wonderful occasion created by the great President Abraham Lincoln. To have such an expression of volunteerism,” he added pointing to the many people serving food. “All ages are serving food, lovingly and charmingly. There are even some dogs outside supporting the occasion. This is a wonderful community expressing their feeling of love and togetherness and simply enjoying the day and giving thanks to God.”
The archbishop got into photo snapping mode himself when he took a picture of the press corps with his cellphone.
In addition to the archbishop, the Consul General of Cyprus Koula Sofianou, Consul General of Greece Evangelos Kyriakopoulos, state Senator Jose Peralta, District Leader Costa Constantinides, Assemblymember Aravella Simotas and state Senator Mike Gianaris, Tony Meloni as well as major contributor to the luncheon, George Fakiris were among those present at the full house.
Volunteers also packed up boxes containing hundreds of meals which would be brought to families unable to come in person.