Ward 4 City Councilman Ed Brady and his restaurant team from The Thirsty Beaver Hometown Pub and Grub in Cranston & Milk Money hosted their 8th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner for the Homeless on Nov. 18.

This amazing day was hosted at Praise Tabernacle Church in Cranston located at 330 Park Ave in collaboration with The Rhode Island Dream Center and The Mae Organization for The Homeless. More than 250 people in need were bused in, fed a delicious Thanksgiving Dinner, given clothing donations, and given haircuts from local volunteers from Details Barbershop in Cranston and Louie’s Barbershop in Conimicut.

Executive Chef Andrea Leonardo led the volunteer effort with collaborating businesses such as Ciros and Savinis Pomodoros in Woonsocket who donated numerous desserts, Jimmy Burchfield Law who donated bread with Campanellas Restaurant, Warwick Ice Cream who donated ice cream, Mr. Sepe and Mr. Santamaria donated numerous pies, Representative Robert Quattrocchi also donated numerous pies, Mae Organization from The homeless brought in clothes and toiletries with Freeway Laundry and Body Rock Gym, Zach Levesque and Northpointe Bank PVD donated 25 turkeys for families in need, Gordon Food Service donated salads, and there were over 30 volunteers in attendance including Mayor Allan Fung, Councilwoman Lammis Vargas, Councilman Chris Paplauskas, and many others to help put a smile on so many families faces.

Councilman Brady said, “It’s truly amazing to see how much this event has grown over the last eight years...to see the community continue to step up and make a difference back directly for our community...it’s truly a very humbling experience. For me this day of hope continues to put life into perspective...when you receive a handshake or a firm hug from someone that is genuinely thankful and appreciative, and you touch another person’s life...there is no greater feeling in the world.”

That’s what Thanksgiving is all about ... spending time with those you love and having the ability to make a small difference in this world. It take a village and I am so blessed by all of the amazing people that step up every year and help,” said Councilman Brady.

The Nutrition Station on Park Avenue is still collecting items for winter survival containers for the homeless and they are asking for toiletries, hand warmers, mittens, and hats. Items can be dropped out during their normal business hours.

Councilman Brady and team is also hosting their annual Toys for Tots community event on Tuesday Dec. 4 at The Thirsty Beaver Hometown Pub and Grub in Cranston. Last year they collected over 5,000 toys with the help of the community and their again asking for their help to make sure no child is left behind this Christmas.