Need A Hot Meal On Thanksgiving? Teaneck Leaders Host Dinner

TEANECK, NJ — Janice Preschel dedicated part of her life to helping make sure others had food. Now, after her passing from COVID-19, Teaneck community leaders are stepping up to keep her memory alive.

Those community leaders will be joining with the Veterans of Foreign Wars to host a Thanksgiving meal for seniors, veterans, emergency service workers and families that need a free, warm meal on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at RAIN, located at 399 Water Street.

“The pandemic has shown us that there are still a lot of families in need of a hot meal, especially on Thanksgiving,” said Deputy Mayor Elie Y. Katz who the is cofounder of the local food pantry.

“Every year we do our best to give back and help feed as many families as possible on Thanksgiving. This year means even more to us because we will be honoring the memory of Janice Preschel who used to help run the food pantry, Rotary and who was a friend to everyone in Teaneck. We miss her, we love her and we want to remember her by helping others which was her legacy.”

Brenda Sutcliffe, Janice Preschel’s sister, added that “Thanksgiving was one of Janice’s favorite holidays and she loved being part of the RAIN luncheon.”

Joining Katz at the upcoming meal to help serve food will be Deputy Mayor Mark J. Schwartz and Councilmembers Keith Kaplan, Karen Lew Orgen, Michael Santiago Pagan and Gervonne Romney Rice. Teaneck Manager Dean Kazinci, Rosiland McClean and Karen McEvoy will also be helping.

Thanksgiving food will be donated by Dougies, Chopstix and Butterflake, with renowned chef Mike Hennig working in the kitchen. Due to pandemic precautions, there will be rotating time shifts for all volunteers and participants.

Rides to RAIN are available for those in need by calling Councilman Pagan at 201-543-7671. Volunteers will also be collecting shampoo and body-wash for the food pantry and people in need.

To sign up for the Thanksgiving meal, or to request a ride, click here.