The Citymeals Blog

The volunteers gathered outside the meal center in Eastern Queens. It was easy to spot them with their bright red shirts, “Resorts World New York City” on the back. Soon they’d be delivering meals to older adults in need in the neighborhoods where they live and work.

Resorts World, a casino and hotel resort, has partnered with Citymeals on Wheels for a decade and funded over 15,000 meals for homebound older New Yorkers. “We’re fortunate to work with a company that has embraced giving support to a community that needs it,” says Michelle Stoddart, Senior VP of Community Development.

But it’s days like these that often feel most impactful.

With their headquarters in Jamaica, Queens and most Resort World employees living within a few miles, Citymeals’ mission hits close to home. The older adults they’re serving are their own neighbors, friends and family. “Queens is a great place. You see all the different neighborhoods representing a lot of diversity,” says Michelle. “That diversity also comes in income disparity and in struggles for older adults.”

On this day, Resorts World volunteers are delivering Emergency Food Packages to our recipients, special care packages filled with meals and pantry staples. EFPs are delivered several times a year to ensure recipients have food on hand in case extreme weather delays our regular deliveries. Splitting up into smaller groups, each received a route sheet of names and addresses. Then, they were off.

They knock on doors, ring doorbells, climb stairs and take elevators. Each delivery is different. “There are folks who swing open the door enthusiastically,” says Michelle. “There are folks who kind of look through the curtain — you’re not their usual delivery person, so they’re apprehensive about it.” But even the most apprehensive meal recipient recognizes a blue Citymeals hat. Once they open the door, it’s all about making a connection, whether it’s with a friendly chat or a smile and a polite hand-off.

The work strengthens not only Resorts World’s connection to the community, but to each other. “It brings our team members together in a group effort,” says Matthew Anatalio, Community Development Manager. “Plus, we’re feeding people, right? That’s awesome!”