1,500 pounds of frozen meat for needy Staten Island families

Fifteen Staten Island food pantries will distribute 1,500 pounds of frozen meat to needy families this holiday season.

The Turkish Cultural Center Staten Island and Embrace Relief increased their donation from 1,000 pounds in response to the borough's need this year.

The annual contribution comes as part of observance of Eid Al-Adha, a Muslim festival known as the "Feast of Sacrifice" that was celebrated in September. Islamic custom has observers distribute meat to mark Abraham's obedience to God while being tested to sacrifice his son.

"Hunger knows no religion,"  Ismail Alaca, head of of the Turkish Cultural Center of Staten Island, said.

The center, Embrace Relief and food pantries joined Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) for the Feast of Sacrifice meat drive on Tuesday afternoon.

"Many of us are looking forward to the Thanksgiving holiday with visions of a big family feast," Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-North Shore) said. "But for too many of my constituents who struggle to make ends meet, the demands of the holiday season are great, and it is not always a season of great joy."

Published on SILive.com, 19 November 2015, Thursday