Modern Day Robin Hood Feeds Those in Need This Thanksgiving

A family gives thanks this year to the Robin Hood Foundation

Now more than ever, New York City families are in need of help this holiday season. Last year, more than 1.3 million families depended on emergency food to get by and non-profits expect that crisis to deepen. The Robin Hood Foundation says 10 percent to 30 percent more families are in need of a hot meal this year, but tough economic times mean philanthropy dollars are down.

Nonprofits, like food pantries across the city, are forced to cut back when people need them the most. 

"It's the perfect storm and it's exactly what we don't want to happen, that's why we're particularly stepping up our efforts this year," said Eric Weingartner of the Robin Hood Foundation.

That's why Robin Hood has partnered with Fresh Direct to dish out meals for more than 60,000 hungry New Yorkers. But organizers hope that's just the beginning and they're calling on others to make a donation of $50 for a holiday meal, which will feed a family of eight.

"The mission of Robin Hood is to fight poverty and nowhere does poverty sting as much as it does around the holiday time," Weingartner said.

Elva Juevara Moctezuma and her family of 12 will enjoy turkey and all the trimmings thanks to Robin Hood.

"These were things we didn't plan to have on our table. We're gonna have cake, we're gonna have muffins; this is something that we cannot afford it," she said.

Moctezuma says the meal on her table represents the true spirit of the holiday season.

"When I went to pick up the turkeys,  I cannot explain the way I was feeling. I'm very sure there is (sic) many people outside like me that are praying for all these people that are helping us in this way," she said.

To learn more about how you can donate to a family in need this holiday season visit the Robin Hood Foundation Web site.  Donations are being accepted through the end of December.

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