Staten Island Unites at the NYPD Pct. 121 for a Community Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution, Championing Kindness and Unity

By: TJVNews.com

The Annual Staten Island Community Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution successfully brought together community, elected officials, law enforcement, and dedicated volunteers to ensure hundreds of local families could celebrate the holiday with dignity.

Held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the NYPD 121st Precinct, the event surpassed expectations, resulting in the distribution of over 150 whole turkeys along with bags filled with traditional holiday staples—stuffing, cranberry sauce, seasonal vegetables, and pantry essentials. The initiative, spearheaded by the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island (COJO) and Making A Change With Kindness (MACK) in partnership with the NYPD 121st Precinct and Community Council, upheld a powerful tradition of kindness and community service.

A Partnership Built on Kindness, Tolerance, and Youth Leadership

A major driving force behind the success was the collaborative effort with Making a Change With Kindness (MACK) — Kids Give Back, whose youth volunteers injected infectious energy into the distribution.

Annesa Ali, CEO and Founder of MACK and COJO Chief of Staff, is the trailblazer who conceived the groundbreaking idea of incorporating children directly into this crucial service event. This vision was a crowning accomplishment for MACK. Ali founded MACK and the Kids Give Back Program with a powerful mission: to uplift children, give them courage, mold leadership skills, and promote diversity among children of all faiths, religions, and nationalities. The program’s common glue is the belief that kindness cures, heals, and spreads love. This transformative power shone brightest at the event.

Ali praised the youth volunteers: “The true difference-makers here were the incredible kids of MACK. Their commitment is a testament to the fact that kindness is infectious—it is a force for positive change that will influence our youth, the leaders of tomorrow. It’s why thousands of our neighbors will enjoy a wonderful, comfortable Thanksgiving. We are honored to continue this vital tradition with the 121st Precinct and COJO.”

Mendy Mirocznik, COJO President, spoke to the profound unity demonstrated at the event: “This event is not just about distributing food; it’s a powerful statement of unity and service in a time when division often dominates. The friendship between myself and Annesa Ali—a Jew and a Muslim working side-by-side as best friends—encapsulates the true spirit of Thanksgiving: tolerance, kindness, and collaboration above all else. The power of MACK’s mission, and Annesa’s insight to involve our youth, transformed this from a turkey distribution to a force of positive change. This tradition, which began with the opening of the 121st Precinct in 2013, continues to deliver hope with dignity.”

Leaders Commend a Crucial Community Tradition

Community leaders and law enforcement officials gathered to applaud the decade-long tradition of service at the 121st Precinct, acknowledging the dedication of COJO, MACK, and all supporting partners, including Amazon, Calvary Chapel, Anthem, Health Education of 1199, VNS Health, Santander Bank, and the NYPD Police Foundation.

Robert Orlando, President of the NYPD PCT 121 Community Council, offered his sincere appreciation: “I want to extend my deepest thanks to COJO and MACK for their relentless dedication. This has been the best Turkey distribution to date at the 121st Precinct. The level of organization and the outpouring of community support were truly inspiring. The Community Council and I look forward to expanding this vital relationship and continuing to serve our neighbors together.”

Alden Foster, Deputy Commissioner for the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, commented on the event’s powerful impact: “I was personally blown away by the execution and the palpable spirit of unity here. I look forward to incorporating COJO and MACK as key partners and building on this important and historic partnership. It truly is the wave of the future and the catalyst for positive and healthy change in our city.”

Chief Melissa Eger, Staten Island Borough Commander, remarked on the essential community-police partnership: “I commend COJO for its persistent efforts in building community confidence and trust. The addition of MACK, and its innovative youth engagement, has truly elevated this effort, making the Thanksgiving drive an innovative model for how law enforcement and grassroots organizations can partner to strengthen the bonds that make Staten Island a resilient community.”

District Attorney Michael McMahon commented, “I am incredibly proud to support COJO and MACK, whose work is essential to preventing hate crimes and building a more cohesive society. What we witness here is more than just a food distribution; it is a profound display of unity that actively breaks down barriers in our community. This message of love and cooperation, led by COJO and MACK, is the powerful antidote to hate and the necessary first step toward healing this divided, brutal world.”

The success of the drive was also heavily reliant on corporate partners dedicated to community welfare. Organizers offered strong praise for Joe Rayski, a noted philanthropist, and his dedicated team from Amazon. Their vital support ensured the necessary resources were secured to deliver over 150 turkeys and thousands of pounds of food, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to the Staten Island community.

The event also garnered high praise from city officials:

Chief Richie Taylor, Commanding Officer of the Community Affairs Bureau, commented, “The distribution’s efficiency and kindness demonstrated here are a model for community engagement across the city. COJO and MACK made the difference, showing the impact dedicated leadership can have.”

Chief Terence Hurson, Executive Officer of Patrol Borough Staten Island and the Founding Commanding Officer of the 121st Precinct in 2013, reflected on the history: “It is deeply rewarding to see this tradition… founded by COJO to continue to grow and thrive. It reflects the core mission of the NYPD: to serve and protect, and to be a partner in building a compassionate community.”

Manhattan Borough President and NYC Comptroller-elect Mark Levine commended the collaboration: “Though across the harbor, we recognize and salute the extraordinary impact of the COJO/MACK collaboration. It is a shining example for all boroughs of what is possible when community leaders put tolerance and service first.”

Captain Ryan Russel, Commanding Officer, New York State, MTA Police, District 9, offered praise: “The tireless effort by COJO and MACK embodies the spirit of public service. Events like this are crucial for fostering positive relationships, and from a law enforcement perspective, they actively break down barriers between the police and the community, which is so important in these times. I commend them for being a powerful force for unity.”

Assemblyman Michael Tannousis: “I am honored to stand with COJO and MACK. They are a positive force behind great change and healing in our community, demonstrating that when we work together with kindness, we can overcome division and ensure that every family has what they need for a dignified holiday. I look forward to continuing to work with COJO and MACK in improving the quality of life for all of Staten Island.”

Richmond County Public Administrator Edwina Martin: “COJO and MACK understand the deep connection between food and community well-being… I am so appreciative and thankful to have participated in such a meaningful event that spreads love and optimism across Staten Island.”

Continuing the Mission

The successful distribution reinforced COJO and MACK’s commitment to providing consistent support through their food pantry and social services, proving once again that a collaborative spirit of kindness and the active, meaningful leadership of our youth can overcome divisiveness and hardship.