Moore 4 You serves more than 150 meals at its third annual Thanksgiving celebration

Moore 4 You Community Development Center in Freeport once again opened its doors on Thanksgiving Day, hosting its third annual Giving U Moore on Thanksgiving celebration.

The annual gathering has quickly become a cherished tradition for families, volunteers and neighbors seeking warmth, connection and a holiday meal.

The Nov. 27 event, held at the center at 90 Mill Road, provided more than 150 plates, offering guests a restaurant-style experience complete with sit-down service, to-go meals, and tables filled with familiar faces.

For the group’s director and CEO, Candist White, who took over for her mother Gail White Moore who first started the initiative that became Moore 4 You in 1998, the goal has always been to make a Thanksgiving meal accessible to all.

“This was our third one,” White said. “It’s for everyone to come.”

White said she now recognizes “repeaters”— families and individuals who have been attending since the beginning — and sees the event becoming an anchor for those facing hardships as well as those seeking community.

Among this year’s guests were several individuals impacted by a recent apartment fire in the village. On Oct. 22 – the day the fire broke out – Moore 4 You assisted families by dropping off clothing and supplies. White said many remembered that support and chose to attend the Thanksgiving gathering.

Stephanie Soto, a Freeport district social worker, also widely shared the event with Freeport families, helping broaden its reach.

White said this year’s event drew the largest volunteer turnout yet.

“I am blown away about how selfless people have been with volunteering their time,” she said.

Teachers, principals, students and residents came in shifts to volunteer throughout the day.

“One college girl, her name is Brianna, she was just like, ‘Put me down for this next year,’” White recounted. “They know this is a place for them, like a home for them, for Thanksgiving.”

Nassau County Legislator Seth Koslow, who had been a guest in the past, couldn’t attend this year’s event in person, but his representative, Lucia Martinez, “attended and jumped right in and assisted where needed.”

The event was powered by donations from an array of restaurants, shops and community groups. White provided a list via email to publicly acknowledge their support:

“Some of the businesses that assisted our efforts this year (were) Imperial Diner Gave over 200 to-go containers, Coalhouse Grille in Baldwin, Mi Casa Dominican Restaurant, Frankie’s Pizzeria in Merrick, Chef Everson, local soccer team FCLA Isla, ByChefRivera, Lucy’s Variety, La Cosina Chikinkira, and KaySheen Cleaning Services,” the email read. “The beautiful balloons were donated by That Balloon Shop.”

The email added: “Freeport’s PTA community also showed up in force, with the Freeport Council PTA and other Freeport school District staff and PTA from various schools attending, as well as newly appointed Columbus Ave. Principal Mrs. Johanna Medina-Bowers.”

For White, the moment also offered a chance to reflect on why she created Moore 4 You in the first place — an evolution that began with her mother’s decades-long career as a licensed childcare provider and foster parent.

Moore 4 You now serves entire families, offers community classes, and provides space for partners to run programs.

Her children, Carter, 11, and Caira, 8, have become part of the tradition.

“I am extremely proud of my mom. She is always giving and doing for anyone who needs it,” Carter said.

Caira, who based a school project on the event, added, “My mom is the best. She deserves to be in this world.”

White said that comment is one she holds close to her heart.

Giving U Moore on Thanksgiving also served as a lead-in to the center’s next major initiative: Giving U Moore 4 the Holidays, scheduled for Dec. 20.

Together with nonprofit partner Operation Impact, Moore 4 You is aiming to raise $15,000 this year to give back to Moore 4 You nominated families.

“Last year, we did 10K,” White said, adding that the funds provide wish-list gifts, essentials, and a dignified experience for selected families.

People can nominate, sponsor, volunteer or donate at LinkTr.ee/m4ucenter.

As Moore 4 You continues to expand its reach, White said her goal remains simple — consistent, dependable compassion.

“My goal is just to let it be continuous,” she said, “for people to feel comfortable and safe knowing that they can get a meal on Thanksgiving Day.”