DEARBORN — State Sen. Irma Clark-Coleman and her staff held a second annual Thanksgiving turkey drive Nov. 24. Over 160 families benefited from the effort, made in collaboration with the Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC) and the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS).

Abbas Elhadi, right, a father of 9, waits to receive a Turkey dinner pack Nov. 24 from Sen. Irma Clark-Coleman and ACCESS staffers Sandy Al and Nawal Jabbar.

Clark-Coleman’s staff and volunteers distributed complete Thanksgiving dinners, including a whole halal turkey and side items to needy families in the Dearborn area. Thanksgiving fell this year just before the Muslim holiday of Eid Al-Adha, a celebration sacrifice to the needy.
Donors Midamar Corporation, Saad Wholesale Meats, Jersualem World Foods and Eastborn Market provided halal meals distributed to 38 families.

Clark-Coleman said she has experienced first-hand the dramatic setbacks many locals have faced due to economic hardships.

“It was so gratifying for me, and it warmed my heart,” she said, “to know that 38 families, who may not have been able to have a Thanksgiving meal, will now be able to enjoy dinner without worrying about the economy for one day.”

ACCESS and ACC led the effort to reach families in need. ACCESS Food and Shelter Coordinator Sandy Al said the need was the greatest ever in her 11 years working for the organization. She said she currently has a list of over 600 cases of individuals and families in need of emergency food and shelter services.

Tarek Baydoun, community representative for the Senator, organized the effort in Dearborn.

He said he is hopeful that the community will unite behind the cause of helping the needy.

“We hope to expand our efforts for next year’s turkey drive,” he said. “Throughout the year, we will continue supporting our community’s social service organizations and generous businesses who are essential to our community in these trying economic times.”