The TraNa Relief Association (TraNa) welcomed the Ukrainian refugee community to Wise Bar Grill & Lounge in Sheepshead Bay last week for a Thanksgiving celebration filled with warmth, unity, and hope. The event, “Warmth of Our Hearts,” offered an evening of shared meals, heartfelt connections, and essential support to help individuals embrace their new lives in America.
The evening began with Natalia Travilina, founder of TraNa, welcoming attendees and engaging with them by asking how long they had been in the United States. Responses ranged from just a few days to as long as two years, underscoring the varied journeys of the Ukrainian families and individuals.
Guests were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, featuring three roasted turkeys, potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Pre-dinner spread included hors d’oeuvres, including traditional crepes with caviar, as well as other tasty tidbits and delicacies. In addition, 42 turkeys were distributed to families for their personal holiday celebrations.
The Nov. 25 program also featured an educational segment, connecting attendees with vital resources. Immigration attorneys, housing experts, health insurance specialists, and representatives from educational and social services provided invaluable insights to help refugees navigate their new lives in America.
In addition, those in need received humanitarian aid at the event, where Ukrainian families were provided with a wide array of new and donated household items, electronics, clothing, such as laptop PCs, linens, kitchenware, pots and pans, personal hygiene products like shampoos, shower gels, soaps, sponges, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and more. The organization made sure that everyone went home with so many essentials and requested items.
Kids had a separate room in which they engaged with creative activities, children’s menu, and gifts.
Local government officials were present to lend their support and recognize the outstanding efforts of the TraNa Relief Association. The event welcomed representatives Irena Khlevner for Council Member Mercedes Narcisse, Donald Cranston for Assembly Member Jaime Williams, Olga Fiore for State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and Gregory Kirsopp for Assembly Member Michael Novakhov. Awards were presented to the organization itself, and many of its key volunteers and contributors.
Trana Relief received special Congressional Recognition celebrating its second year anniversary since its founding, from the office of U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. Additionally, a Citation from the New York State Assembly was presented to TraNa, founder Travilina, Pearl, and other volunteers on behalf of Assembly Member Michael Novakhov. Collectively, volunteers, businesses and community leaders who have made significant contributions to the nonprofit’s mission were recognized.
The event wasn’t just about giving; it was also about forming connections. Many attendees, including volunteers who were Ukrainian refugees themselves, left with new friends, greater knowledge, and a sense of belonging as they are welcomed to America.
“We are here to create a safe, healthy, and prosperous life for those in need,” said Travilina. “This Thanksgiving celebration is just one way we can share love, warmth, and American traditions with our Ukrainian families.”
The evening was then topped off with sweets and a grand celebratory cake wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
As TraNa celebrates its second year as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, its commitment to aiding those in need continues. With a mission to support basic humanitarian needs, provide critical resources, and assist with cultural integration, the association aims to help Ukrainian refugees build a brighter future.
For more information about TraNa Relief Association and its programs, visit tranarelief.org or call (929) 800-0052.
Editor’s note: Journalist Robert Pearl is a TraNa volunteer and the group’s liaison to cultural affairs.
