On Thursday, November 26th Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement, Inc. (HCCI) will co-host the 2nd ANNUAL HCCI/Sweet Mama’s Thanksgiving Dinner Giveaway to feed needy families in Harlem.

HCCI will kick-off the holiday season in partnership with Sweet Mama’s Soul Food & Salad Bar by offering 500 free dinners to Harlem residents. “We opened two years ago and the community has been extremely welcoming and supportive of our business,” said owner Cheickna Maiga. “I just wanted to give something back to a community that has been supportive of me.”<

Sweet Mama’s is located at 689 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10039, near 145th Street. The quick-serve soul food eatery is a member of the Bradhurst Merchant’s Association (BMA), an alliance of Bradhurst-area businesses, founded by HCCI. When the restaurant approached HCCI’s Executive Vice President, Malcolm Punter, he welcomed the opportunity to support the effort. According to HCCI President Derek Broomes, this is exactly the type of collaboration HCCI seeks with the community.

Related: Listen to Derek E. Broomes, President And CEO of HCCI On The Danny Tisdale Show on Harlem World Radio

“HCCI has a long history of providing housing and programs to better the lives of Harlem residents,” said Broomes. “And we are deeply invested in assuring the survival of small, minority enterprises. There is no better way to celebrate Thanksgiving, than by feeding those in need, while supporting a Bradhurst area business.”

HCCI seeks volunteers to help present this community gift. To help out, call 212-281-4887, ext. 221, or email mkgama@hcci.org.

HCCI is an interfaith consortium of congregations committed to the comprehensive redevelopment of the Harlem community.  Since 1986, HCCI has been committed to the holistic revitalization of Harlem by providing economic development opportunities and empowerment of Harlem residents to rebuild their community. To learn more about HCCI programs please visit www.hcci.org.