News & Stories
1,500 Camden Seniors Receive Thanksgiving Meals Thanks to Generous Local Organizations
(Camden, NJ): A cherished Thanksgiving tradition continues this year as 1,500 senior citizens in Camden receive holiday meals, made possible by the generosity of an anonymous local family and a partnership of dedicated Camden organizations.
The Camden Community Partnership, City of Camden, Office of the Mayor of Camden, Camden County Police Department, and The Cooper Foundation joined forces today to deliver Thanksgiving meals to seniors across the City of Camden who might otherwise go without a festive meal.
“This meaningful tradition is only possible thanks to our generous donors and the incredible volunteers who devote their time to serving the Camden community,” said Philip A. Norcross, Esq., chairman of The Cooper Foundation Board. “This year, with inflation continuing to impact food prices, our hope is that these meals bring joy and comfort to our neighbors during the holiday season. We’re proud to see so many Cooper team members and Rutgers University–Camden students stepping up to make a difference.”
“Collaborating with our community partners is vital to improving the health and well-being of our city,” said Camden Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen. “This Thanksgiving tradition reflects the true spirit of the holiday—caring, giving, and serving others. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the commitment of our volunteers, we’re helping to combat food insecurity and provide joy to Camden’s seniors. I am honored to be part of this effort and extend my gratitude to all who make it possible.”
“Camden Community Partnership is once again proud to work alongside the City of Camden and The Cooper Foundation to support our most vulnerable residents,” said Dana Redd, President and CEO of Camden Community Partnership. “Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and giving back, and through this program, we ensure our senior and disabled neighbors feel cared for and appreciated. Combating food insecurity remains a core part of our mission, and this tradition is a meaningful way to give back to our community.”
This Thanksgiving meal distribution began in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has since become a vital tradition for Camden seniors. The Cooper Foundation, alongside city leaders and community partners, coordinates the delivery of 1,500 turkey dinners with all the trimmings to senior housing facilities and apartment complexes throughout Camden. To date, the program has provided more than 7,500 Thanksgiving meals to seniors across the city.
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