The nonprofit organizations Esperanza-Hope and Lights & Sirens International came together on Nov. 19 to help deserving families get ready for Thanksgiving. The groups gave out 600 free turkeys and food bags filled with groceries and essential items at the Roger Williams Park.

“It’s important for us to provide hope and to do our part to help people and make their lives a little bit better,” said Ibn Bakari, executive director of Lights & Sirens International.

The Saturday event was free and open to the public.

“We are thrilled to be able to help so many families, this is something to truly be thankful for this holiday season,” said Wilda Gutierrez, executive director of Esperanza-Hope.

In addition, to the Thanksgiving meal distribution, Esperanza Hope strives to help as many families as possible through random acts of kindness while spreading hope and love. On Nov. 20, the nonprofit distributed 300 turkeys in Central Falls.

Esperanza-Hope’s mission is to bring hope and embolden a positive vision of the future for the homeless and low-income families in our community in Rhode Island, and for children in the poorest communities of the Dominican Republic. Lights & Sirens International’s mission is to educate, support and develop youth by integrating sports and cultural exposure through civic education and guidance with a focus on developing community cohesion in Rhode Island and the Dominican Republic. For more information, visit their websites at esperanzahopeus.org and lightsandsirensinternational.org. (Photo by Steve Popiel)