KarunaNews Story

For Marty Rogers, Thanksgiving is a day to embody kindness and be a "beacon of hope" in the South Bronx neighborhood where he has lived all his life. Since 1977, he has organized an annual Thanksgiving dinner in the senior center at the Immaculate Conception Church. At first, the dinner was only for seniors, but it expanded to include people experiencing homelessness. COVID has not changed the tradition - last year, Rogers, his family and local restaurants raised the money for a "takeout" version of the classic dinner, and this year, they will again offer takeout and delivery. Marty "embodies the spirit of giving, in every aspect, and just knows the importance of community, of treating people with dignity and respect," says his daughter.