Anthony Tocantinis is convinced the North Brooklyn Angels are actual angels.
They’re the closest he’s encountered to the real thing.
“Knowing that this is here is one less worry in my day,” Tocantinis said. “It’s a relief they’re wonderful people, very friendly and again I consider this a diamond in my day.”
Tocantinis comes four days a week to Our Lady of Mt. Carmel in Williamsburg to get a hot meal, he says is fresh and nutritious, and he’d know, he’s a professional chef who’s fallen on hard times.
“I feel their generosity is equal to what I always felt in terms of faith as a Catholic so it’s reinforcing for sure,” Tocantinis said.
This Thanksgiving Tocantinis and 500 others will be spending the holiday with North Brooklyn Angels for a sit down meal. The organization is also giving out 1,000 turkeys and 1,000 to-go meals. Program Manager Lauren Bakoian said on a day that’s all about coming together why not do it right.
“Everyone becomes a friend,” Bakoian said “They’re not just people in need that come for a meal, they’re familiar faces they have different needs and we all come for community whether it’s the volunteer community or the folks coming to eat.”
Inside the kitchen at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, the assembly line for North Brooklyn Angels’ daily hot meal distribution moves quickly.For volunteer Lee Finkel, there’s something spiritual about this work –
Finkel has been volunteering every week for the last several months. It’s reshaped his worldview and the way he views his own neighborhood.
“I’m a big believer in the golden rule above all the above all else and to be able to just do my part is a blessing to me in a big way,” Finkel said. “It gives me just a little bit more purpose in my day, knowing that I’m able to put a warm meal in their hands and a smile on their face.”
This holiday in North Brooklyn, the volunteers and those in need are thankful for their angels.
North Brooklyn Angels is serving a Thanksgiving meal at four locations.
For information and to inquire about tickets email THANKSGIVING@NORTHBROOKLYNANGELS.ORG.