For the last ten years, the Latino Gerontological Center, along with the generous support of corporate sponsors has provided a traditional Thanksgiving meal to thousands of seniors who would have normally spent this day alone. The Latino Gerontological Center recognizes that countless Latino seniors in the country often fall through the cracks, and are burdened with feelings of depression and loneliness to only mention a few. As they congregate with other Latino seniors and partake of a delicious meal it fills them with joy, even if only this moment. Minerva Rios, a 96 year old Puerto Rican native, and member of Casita Maria, a senior center in East Harlem, New York, wrote in gratitude of her experience:
To: Latino Gerontological CenterDear Mr. Tapia: (President and CEO of Latino Gerontological Center)

I would like to thank everyone that made our special meal possible on Thanksgiving Day. It is very important to us, particularly because we do not feel so lonely.

God Bless You!

Minerva

This activity was totally free, and it will continue taking place in centers full of friends and warmth. The Latino Gerontological Center held it’s traditional Thanksgiving Meal on Thursday November 28, 2002. The following organizations contributed to make this event a special and meaningful one:

Casita María Senior Center, Manhattan
East Harlem Coalition of Senior Centers, Manhattan
Mujeres Quisqueyanas en Acción Community Center, Queens
Borinquen Plaza" Senior Center, Brooklyn
Program CASA, Paterson
"EOFULA" Senior Center, Washington, D.C.
Latino Elderly, Inc., Orlando
The Life Centre, Miami

"Thanksgiving Day for the Elderly Without Family" was made possible this year thanks to Philip Morris Companies Inc., Verizon Foundation and Terence Cardinal Cooke Health Care Center, New York.