QCAANY volunteers at ‘Day of Giving’ in Queens
By Tangerine Clarke
It is the simple things that
count at Thanksgiving time, like
enjoying a turkey dinner with
all the trimmings, and a family
to share it with. But for many,
it takes volunteers, and a food
pantry to make these moments
special.
Thanks to Guyanese-American,
Tony Singh, founder of Calvary’s
Mission Food Pantry, at
102-26 89th Ave, Richmond Hill,
Saturday, Nov. 23, was a wonderful
occasion for the needy.
For the past 20 years, Singh
has brought joy to the homes of
families by handing out thousands
of pounds of nutritious
food, with the help of volunteers
including Consul General of
Guyana to NY, Barbara Atherly,
who joined the humanitarian
at “A Day of Giving” organized
by the Queens College Alumni
Association, NY, (QCAANY), for
the third year.
St. Roses, Bishop’s, North
Ruimveldt alums, and scores of
other volunteers also, joined the
annual Thanksgiving event.
Starting at 5:30 am, volunteers
organized tons of vegetables,
turkeys, chickens, bread,
stuffing, fruits, macaroni and
cheese, juices, and other treats,
distributed to more than 400
residents, who waited in line for
hours.
Singh, who started, the now,
largest organized food pantry in
Queens, 20 years ago because
of a need in the community,
thanked CG Atherly, volunteers
and Guyanese nationals for their
continued support.
Volunteering at the pantry
for the third time this year, CC
Atherly reminded those present
Caribbean L 8 ife, Nov. 29-Dec. 5, 2019
that it was better to give than to
receive, and said it was gratifying
to see smiles on the faces of people
when they received whatever
little offered to them, and their
response, of Happy Thanksgiving,
in more than one language.
“I would like to say thanks to
the QC Alumni Association for
inviting me to take part in the
‘Day of Giving’,” said CG Atherly,
who lauded Tony Singh and his
team for the once weekly outreach,
and Thanksgiving Day of
Giving, for a worthy cause.
“Every opportunity we get to
give assistance to the community,
we should be willing do so.”
“Happy Thanksgiving,”
expressed the diplomat.
John Campbell, president of
QCAANY, thanked members
for their volunteerism, whether
in New York or at home, and
reflected on the recent successful
week of activities in Guyana
to commemorate the 175th
Anniversary of his alma mater.
“It was a wonderful celebration.
We had a range of participants
from ages 20 to 75,
who came together to celebrate
the same common school spirit,
singing school songs and partaking
in events,” shared Campbell,
who acknowledged Caribbean
President of Queens College Alumni Association NY
(QCAANY), John Campbell, share a food item during ‘A
Day of Giving” at Calvary’s Mission Food Pantry, Richmond
Hill. Photo by Tangerine Clarke
Life, for always highlighting the
non-profit’s work in the community.
The brisk weather, did not
deter many including first timers
to the pantry, Terrence Campbell,
who arrived from Guyana
just in time to volunteer, and
broadcaster, Hugh Hamilton
who described the experience
as fulfilling, while commending
the team spirit showed by fellow
alums.
“It is a privilege to be a member
of the alumni, and a wonderful
honor to be of service in
the spirit of thanksgiving,” said
Hamilton.
Consul General of Guyana to
New York, handing out potatoes
for Thanksgiving dinner
to residents that joined a line
at the Calvary’s Mission Food
Pantry, in Richmond Hill
PATIENTS’
CHOICE
RATED & AWARDED BY PATIENTS
SM