By Jennifer L. Warren

NEWBURGH – Return giving and gratitude spread throughout Newburgh Unity Armory Center on Friday.

After a busy morning and early afternoon volunteering at the monthly Giving Day event, a smiling group of hard-working volunteers could be seen taking a well-earned time to relax and enjoy some slices of Pizza Hut with drinks. A reliable and regular team of volunteers at the altruistic popular function of the community, distributes food and other essentials to customers, breaks down boxes, takes inventory and interacts positively with everyone around them. The gratitude for the lunch was not taken lightly, as many could be heard expressing their thanks to their nearby Pizza Hut donors.

Located at 75 North Plank Road in Newburgh, The local Pizza Hut has also made donations to other vital community organizations including; several pantries, St. Luke’s, police, paramedics and firefighters.

“It was a thank you for everything we do for the community,” said grateful Marietta Allen, who runs Operation Giving Day, which takes place the third Friday of each month at the Armory from 9am to 12pm. about. “Pizza Hut’s regional manager, Angel Rivera, as well as the place on North Plank Road, really goes out of their way to do something special for many Thanksgiving-worthy organizations.”

Based on the happy looks and wide smiles on the faces of the volunteers in Armory Friday, they most certainly achieved that goal.