Comfort Children Ministry International Inc. (CCM) distributed Thanksgiving turkeys, food, and essentials to families in need during its annual holiday giveaway on November 26. The event, held at Healthfirst’s Newburgh office on Route 17K, served 156 families with children from noon to 5 p.m.

Families were welcomed by CCM founder and CEO Cynthia James, Healthfirst staff, and volunteers, including CCM Coordinator Deaconess Thamary Zambuko and Rev. Hilary Hurbs, CEO of H2H, Life In His Form, based in Poughkeepsie. Inside, participants received baskets filled with holiday food and a turkey to help them prepare for Thanksgiving.

Hurbs emphasized the importance of helping others, citing biblical principles. “The Bible says we are to be our brother’s keeper,” she said. “We must think about those in need and extend a helping hand.”

Zambuko highlighted the joy of supporting families during the holiday season. “When families receive resources like this, they get so excited,” she said. “It’s satisfying to see their happiness and know they can provide for their loved ones.”

James expressed gratitude for the event’s success and noted that CCM delivers food to families unable to attend. “We know times are tough, and if a family needs help, we’ll do what we can,” she said. “No child should go to bed hungry.”

CCM, headquartered in Newburgh for 25 years, serves families across the Hudson Valley, including Poughkeepsie, Wappingers Falls, Middletown, Beacon, and Wallkill. James said families from as far as Central Valley attended the event after learning about it on Facebook. The organization’s outreach extends globally to countries such as South Africa, Pakistan, and Botswana.

Heading into the holiday season, James encouraged acts of kindness. “If you know a family in need and can help, do it,” she said. “People are hurting. Even a small gesture can make a difference.”

James thanked several organizations for supporting the event, including H2H, Life In His Form; Crossroads Assembly of God; The Hudson Valley Basket Brigade; Dawkins Development Group; Love Legacy Middletown; Healthfirst; Hoops Express Inc.; Catholic Charities Immigration Department; and other volunteers and donors.

The annual event reflects CCM’s mission to serve families with children and ensure no one is left behind. “We’re here to help, locally and internationally,” James said.