The pandemic has been rough on just about every industry. Restaurants, in particular, have gone through multiple hardships. Yet despite all of 2020’s setbacks, local businesses are still finding a way to give back to the community.
On Thursday, November 26, The Iron Monkey (99 Greene) will hold its 22nd annual Thanksgiving Dinner Event. During the event, the restaurant will distribute free Thanksgiving meals to senior citizens and families in need of a hot meal. Due to the pandemic, this year’s Thanksgiving Dinner Event will be grab-and-go. To ensure there’s enough food for everyone, residents are also being asked to reserve their meal online.
“This is our favorite way to give back to our neighbors and friends,” says Stephen McIntyre, the owner of the Iron Monkey. “After the year we’ve been through, we are doing all we can to keep our tradition going, making sure everyone has a delicious meal to look forward to on Thanksgiving.”
Each grab-and-go meal will include a turkey sandwich, some traditional sides, and a cold beverage to wash it all down. To keep with current COVID-19 guidelines, The Iron Monkey will offer socially distanced distributions from 11am to 3pm on Thanksgiving Day. (You can pick up your meal at the bar’s front door).
West Side Community Fridge, Whealth Kitchen, Salt NJ donating free meals
The Iron Monkey isn’t the only local business giving back to the community. The West Side Community Fridge is teaming up with Whealth Kitchen and the Salt Foundation to distribute free turkey dinners and desserts on Thanksgiving Day. The food will be distributed at 300 Delaware Avenue (the same location as the community fridge).
The community fridge, which operates 24/7, was started by JC resident Tatiana Smith earlier this summer. Meanwhile, Whealth Kitchen owner Dave Trotta has been actively helping and giving back to the JC community for years. (We personally know Dave and he’s one of the kindest and most genuine people you’ll ever meet).
The meals will be available for pickup on Thanksgiving Day from 12pm till 3pm. Social distancing guidelines will be in full effect and masks are required.
