New York - On Saturday, November 18, Assemblymember Grace Lee and Vision Urbana launched their 5th annual turkey drive to support public housing residents on the Lower East Side. With the support of local nonprofit organizations, elected officials, and volunteers, they successfully delivered 2,100 turkeys and chickens to families in NYCHA and Section 8 housing developments, feeding approximately 15,000 residents, including many Chinese American residents. This drive was made possible with support from Assemblymember Lee, Vision Urbana, Congressmember Dan Goldman, Councilmember Christopher Marte, the Hispanic Federation, Food Bank For New York City, City Harvest, Grand Street Democrats, Downtown Independent Democrats, and New York Cares.

“Thanks to the efforts of the nonprofits, volunteers, and community members that supported this year’s drive, thousands of families in NYCHA and Section 8 will celebrate this year’s holiday without worrying about how they can afford it,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “The ongoing success of this drive is an amazing demonstration of the solidarity and generosity in our Lower East Side community, and it was a joy to connect with so many residents this weekend and share the holiday spirit. I am proud to host this drive as part of my ongoing commitment to uplift public housing residents and to make it easier for them to enjoy the holidays with their families. I wish everyone in the district a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.”

"We need our NYCHA households to receive a touch of hope and thoughtful resources for the holidays," said Eric Diaz, Executive Director Vision Urbana Inc. "At the end of every week, we are providing over 2,000 households with either home delivered or onsite pickup of groceries or fresh fruit and vegetables within NYCHA developments and the volunteerism of more than 13 Resident Association Presidents. Since 2019, Grace Lee and family have championed Vision Urbana's NYCHA Thanksgiving Drive to ensure thousands of NYCHA residents not only receive support for the holidays but every week through Vision Urbana's Pantry Express. Vision Urbana is thankful for her ongoing support and her commitment to this community!"