People’s Place in Kingston serves nearly 1,500 Thanksgiving meals – Daily Freeman

Chris Zell, right, donates pies to Michael Weber as they are unloaded early Monday morning, Nov. 20, 2023. In addition to pies and other sides, Diamond Mills in Saugerties, New York, donated 1,400 turkeys to more than 1,600 registered families. (Image provided).

KINGSTON, N.Y. — Nearly 1,500 Thanksgiving meals were distributed Monday to people looking for a holiday feast at People’s Place, an agency serving those in need.

Christine Hein, executive director of People’s Place downtown, said 1,475 Thanksgiving meals were distributed at the Broadway and St. James Street facility.

Only about 1,600 people have signed up for the meals, which include turkey, apple pie, sweet and white potatoes and corn, among other food items, Hine said.

Hein said the number of meals distributed Monday was about 200 more than last year.

On Tuesday, Nov. 21, those who missed out on Monday’s giveaway can visit People’s Place between 10 a.m. and noon to pick up the free meals, Hine said. Those seeking holiday pay do not have to register, Hine said.

About 1,400 turkeys were donated by the Diamond Mills Hotel, a luxury hotel, restaurant, wedding venue and event space in Saugerties. The remainder of the turkeys and other food items were donated by several businesses and individuals.

On Thanksgiving Day, the Community Café at People’s Place will also host a Thanksgiving brunch from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The breakfast and lunch meal will feature a variety of breakfast and lunch foods.

The mission of People’s Place is to feed, clothe and respond to the basic needs of people in Ulster County with kindness, compassion and upholding human dignity, the agency said.