ProudLiving Companies, a New Jersey-based real estate company with a mission of long-term neighborhood revitalization, partnered with five New Jersey municipalities and multiple community-based organizations to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys this week to families in need.

ProudLiving worked alongside mayors’ offices in Newark, East Orange, Orange, Irvington and Plainfield for the giveaways, which took place on Nov. 21 and Nov. 23 – in what the company calls its “Marathon Donation.” ProudLiving funded the cost of 1,000 turkeys for this year’s efforts.

According to ProudLiving President and Founder, TJ Caleca, this annual Thanksgiving campaign is just one component of the company’s dedication to its communities, where it serves as a contractor, developer, realtor and community partner.

“Our Thanksgiving turkey events allow us to thank the communities we serve for welcoming ProudLiving with open arms,” said Caleca. “As an organization, it’s important to offer support and show our commitment to our neighbors amid COVID-19 – providing a bit of normalcy to families this Thanksgiving.”

All community members and event volunteers adhered to social distancing guidelines at the in-person events – standing 6 feet apart, wearing masks and sanitizing before handling the turkeys. ProudLiving has historically donated Thanksgiving turkeys the Monday before the holiday and purchased them from the East Orange ShopRite/Village Supermarket, its fourth year doing so. Newark sponsors included Corrado’s Market and Pueblo Supermarket.

The growing real estate company hosted a separate turkey giveaway at one of its own properties – 60 S. Munn Ave., East Orange, on Nov. 21 (10 a.m. – 12 p.m.). ProudLiving distributed 150 turkeys to residents and community members.

“There is no doubt that this year has been challenging for all of us, but the generosity and support of community partners like ProudLiving have helped us to continue to provide necessary resources and assistance to our residents,” said East Orange Mayor Ted R. Green. “Now more than ever, we are thankful for our blessings and our ability to share those blessings with the families in our community.”

“Being able to reach one member of the community in a positive way means that one more person knows that we believe in them and our local communities,” said Isabel Williams, vice president of charitable advancements at ProudLiving. “We would not be in the position we are now without the support of the communities we serve.”

Earlier this year, the company partnered with Papa Pat’s Pizza in Newark, N.J., to distribute 200 meals per week to municipal workers and health care professionals. The program ran weekly from June to mid-July, donating a total of approximately 2,000 meals to essential workers.

Partner organizations for this year’s Thanksgiving event include the Orange Township Police Department (the second straight year of partnering with the department), East Orange Housing Authority, Irvington Neighborhood Improvement Corporation, Believe In Newark, South Ward Center of Hope (Newark) and Second St. Youth Center (Plainfield).

“During these times when the coronavirus has affected so many lives in massive ways, (Orange) Mayor (Dwayne) Warren, alongside the Orange Police Department and our leading sponsor, ProudLiving, will distribute turkeys to families affected by the pandemic,” said Todd Warren, director of the Orange Police Department. “This is a small way to help raise the spirits of many during Thanksgiving – and we encourage everyone to practice ‘Safegiving’ while celebrating the holiday this year.”