HRF Chritmas ditribution
( Text based on NH article by Aris Papadopoulos –
Pictures by Tsakiridis Stavros )
Christmas Food Delivery by the Hellenic Relief Foundation/ Friday
December 20th, 2013
The Hellenic Relief Foundation made many smile today with their
monthly food distribution, this time specially adjusted for the
Christmas Holiday. This distribution contained one large turkey,
tsoureki, legumes, non-perishable items: flour, sugar, rice, as well
as butter, milk and other food staples. Children will also receive
clothes during a Christmas celebration on Saturday and shoes next
week.
The distribution was supervised by Mr. Kostas Zahariadis, who
travelled from New York specifically for this purpose. The funds for
this specific food delivery were raised by the Parish of Archangel
Michael in Port Washington, New York. The Parish hosted a music
concert featuring Gregoris Maninakis and his ensemble. At least
six-hundred parishoners along with members of the ‘omogenia’ attended
the ‘fifty dollar a person’ performance. Mr. Zachariadis noted that
many in attendance were second, and third generation Greek-Americans.
All were very moved by the plight of the Greek people. Following the
concert, many gave additional contributions. He also told us “Many
want to help, but they do not know where their money will go. One lady
who had some doubts, changed her mind when I assured her that I will
oversee this particular distribution, and even choose the turkey
distributor. She whole heartedly opened her purse and donated $450.00”
.
For the past two years the Hellenic Relief Foundation has made monthly
food distributions to families and individuals who are impoverished
due to the current crisis. There were initially 220 families in Athens
who received food items. That number is currently at 450. With the aid
of local organizations, the distribution has also expanded to areas
outside of Athens. The Special Christmas food packages were given to
480 families in Athens, 215 in Corfu, 70 in Thessalonika. Turkeys and
other food was sent to Patras and Piraeus where over 200 meals
Christmas meals will be prepared for local nursing homes .
The Vice-President of the Athenian City Council Mr. Eleftherios
Skiadas was present at the Athens distribution. He has been
co-ordinating many social municipal programs for some time. The food
is not given in random. All distributions in Athens are based on a
list from the Athenian Municipality. This list is created on need
basis, and is also based on annual tax returns. Homeless and poor
immigrants are segments of the population that are taken care of by
the social services of the City of Athens. These 450 families in
Athens rely solely on the assistance of HRF. Each and every donation
that the omogenia contributes goes directly towards the purchase of
food items. The need is immense, and no contribution is ever too
small. The current financial crisis in Greece is the worst in modern
history. There are no words that can adequately describe the absolute
need of its people. Those who can please continue to support the
efforts of the foundation.
On January 31st, 2014 at the Stathakeion Center in Astoria the
foundation will celebrate 2 years of activity with a very unique boite
night. Performers who are generously donating their talents will
include Eleni Andreou, Grigoris Maninakis, Tasos Papaioannou, Makaria
Psiliteli-Kazakou and special guests Anna Eliopoulos, Yanna
Katsageorgi, Athina Krikelli, Elias Makrynos, Alexandra Skendrou,
Nikitas Tambakis, Elena Toumaras, Stavroula Traitses. They will also
cut the traditional New Year pita and honor certain individuals and
organizations for their support. For Reservations please call 347
201-1821 or 718 204-8900.
