POUGHKEEPSIE – Free Christmas Day meals were available to nearly everyone that needed one as a result of the generosity of several people. Numerous people stepped up to help those in need during these unprecedented times.
Poughkeepsie restaurateur Carlos “Los” Wood teamed up with Karl Grant, owner of Mystic Cage on Church Street to prepare free takeout meals for anyone wanting one.
Wood purchased turkeys, chicken, and a variety of side dish ingredients to prepare for the Friday meals. Using the kitchen at the cafe along with his trailer-mounted grill known as “Bertha,” Wood, Grant, and Grant’s son Karl Grant Jr. began the prep work on Thursday evening in order to begin serving meals on Christmas at 11 a.m.
“This isn’t about me – it’s about this city. It’s heartwarming to be able to step up and help those in need,” said Wood. Jamaican Jerk Chicken was also on the menu and was prepared by Grant, relying on his Jamaican heritage.
The retired state corrections officer noted that the pandemic has shut his business down and created a substantial financial strain. “When Los was looking for a place to serve meals, I offered. We prepared a lot of food,” Grant said, noting that he wants to get back to business really soon. Wood, Grant, and Grant’s son were assisted in serving the few hundred meals by several volunteers.
On the north side of the city at the Family Partnership Center, Councilwoman Yvonne Flowers and her brother Frankie continued the legacy of helping the community established by their late father, John Flowers.
With substantial financial support from Dan Hickey, food preparation by Fuel4Life, and help from dozens of individuals, more than 1,400 meals were prepared and served throughout the city. “With the help of volunteers, we were able to deliver 900 meals to seniors in the various housing complexes in Poughkeepsie,” said Yvonne Flowers. In addition, Newman’s Noshi Deli on Hooker Avenue prepared 100 meals and donated them to the cause.
“Our volunteers also delivered boxed meals to families. We provided nearly 500 hams, dozens of chickens, and all of the side dish ingredients for the families,” said Flowers. The councilwoman credited her brother with keeping things organized. “Frankie does so much for so many,” she said. “He is incredible. Between the large-scale toy delivery program and the Christmas Day meal program, Frankie keeps everything running smoothly.”
