Brooklyn, NY – This holiday season will be particularly challenging for area families, as food costs are up 15% from last year (the largest single-year increase in 40 years). With 1.6 million New Yorkers struggling this season to put food on the table, this event embodies “neighbors helping neighbors.” In the spirit of giving, over 40 community organizations, businesses large & small, and civic leaders partnered to help New Yorkers at the 3rd Annual North Brooklyn Holiday Giveback on December 20, 2022.

With a coalition chaired by NYS Senator Julia Salazar, Assemblywoman Maritza Davila and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzales, this large-scale community event provided over 2,200 area households (an estimated 8,800-11,000 mouths fed) a whole roaster chicken, fresh produce, and dry goods. 1,800 local children received toys. Hosted and organized by Sustainable United Neighborhoods, this year’s coalition sought to provide comfort & joy to recently arriving asylum seekers and unhoused. With local business support, 260 asylum seekers & shelter residents enjoyed a ‘Christmas Cafe’ hot meal and received winter coats, clothes, and a toy & visit from Santa for these children celebrating their first Christmas in NYC.

“This year marks the 3rd Annual North Brooklyn Holiday Giveback. We were able to feed 2,200+ families and it was all made possible through the North Brooklyn Coalition. We are truly blessed to be able to give back to our neighbors, families in need, and also our asylum seekers this holiday season. North Brooklyn is a vibrant and growing community that values family and knowing that there’s love and support around us brings a sense of unity,” said Assemblywoman Maritza Davila.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez added, “Giving back and helping others is what the holiday season is all about. It was a pleasure to join my staff and many community organizations and local businesses in spreading some joy and making asylum seekers feel welcomed here in Brooklyn.”

"Yesterday, our Third Annual Holiday Giveback in North Brooklyn commenced with the help of an amazing team of volunteers and partners," said State Senator Julia Salazar. "We were able to provide gifts, clothing, and hot meals to hundreds of families, including asylum seekers and unhoused neighbors. This wouldn't have been possible without the collective care shown by our community and by organizations like SUN."

Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce President, Randy Peers, added, “The best of Brooklyn comes together this holiday season when businesses large & small collaborate with nonprofits and civic leaders. The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is delighted to support a holiday giveback that impacts thousands of our most vulnerable residents."

“It warms my heart to see SUN and the North Brooklyn Coalition coming together to help those less fortunate this holiday season. Times are tough for many, and we at Hydro-Quebec and the Champlain Hudson Power Express project hope our donation to this relief initiative and the contribution of our renewable energy to reduce the burning of fossil fuels in New York City will improve the lives of all community members,” noted Pete Rose, Director of Stakeholder Relations, Hydro-Quebec.

“Our NYCHA neighbors & home-bound seniors know they won’t be forgotten around the holidays,” said SUN Co-Founder & CEO, Jay Solly. “We want to say thank you to the 80+ volunteers, donors, and partners who helped give back this holiday season.”