APNA Community Center partners with Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages to Distribute Halal Turkeys to Families in Need
A volunteer with APNA Community Center distributes a halal turkey to a community member, on November 25, 2024. Credit: Office of Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages.
Student volunteers from Valley Stream Central High School checking in community members at the halal turkey drive with APNA Community Center and Assemblywoman Solages, November 25, 2024. Credit: Office of Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages.
Erum Hanif, CEO of APNA Community Center (fifth from left), Assemblywoman Solages (fifth from right) with volunteers during the APNA Community Center halal turkey drive in Valley Stream, November 25, 2024. Credit: Office of Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages.
Valley Stream, NY – APNA Community Center, in partnership with the office of Assemblywoman Solages, proudly hosted a Thanksgiving Halal Turkey Giveaway to support local families and ensure that everyone in the community could enjoy a warm holiday meal that aligns with their dietary and cultural needs. During the event, held on Monday, November 25th, one hundred halal turkeys were distributed to residents, embodying the spirit of gratitude and inclusion.
“As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it is important to provide resources that reflect the diversity of our community,” said Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages. “This partnership with APNA demonstrates our shared commitment to meeting the needs of all families, ensuring that everyone can participate in this special holiday.”
The giveaway highlighted the growing presence of the APNA Community Center in Nassau County. Founded in 2017 in Brighton Beach, APNA is dedicated to building bridges through community engagement, education, and empowerment. The organization focuses on addressing the needs of local residents, particularly those who are low-income, older, and/or have limited English proficiency.
APNA serves diverse communities of recent immigrants from countries including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, and several Central American countries. By offering culturally appropriate resources, such as halal turkeys, APNA ensures that these communities can enjoy the holiday season while honoring their traditions and values.
Erum Hanif, CEO of APNA Community Center, highlighted the importance of addressing the unique needs of the communities APNA serves. “Our mission is rooted in understanding and celebrating the diversity of our community,” said Mrs. Hanif. “By offering culturally appropriate resources, like halal turkeys, we ensure that families can honor their traditions while feeling supported and included. Expanding into Nassau County allows us to serve even more individuals who deserve access to services that respect their heritage and meet their needs.”
Erum Hanif, a Valley Stream resident, is a respected advocate for underserved communities and has led APNA in its mission to uplift historically underrepresented populations. Under her leadership, APNA has become a vital resource for immigrants and families navigating language barriers and accessing essential services.
Assemblywoman Solages encourages residents to support local food drives and community resources, like halal turkeys, we ensure that families can honor their traditions while feeling supported and included. Expanding into Nassau County allows us to serve even more individuals who deserve access to services that respect their heritage and meet their needs.”
Erum Hanif, a Valley Stream resident, is a respected advocate for underserved communities and has led APNA in its mission to uplift historically underrepresented populations. Under her leadership, APNA has become a vital resource for immigrants and families navigating language barriers and accessing essential services.
Assemblywoman Solages encourages residents to support local food drives and community initiatives that celebrate the richness of cultural diversity during the holiday season.