This father from the Bronx has been catering to those who need help during the holidays for some time now…literally. This selfless man is now on his 44th year of giving away free Thanksgiving dinners to senior citizens and the homeless in his area.
Marty Rogers has spent the entirety of his 66 years in this Bronx neighborhood and he has been giving back in the best way that he knows how.
The community now refers to him as “Mayor Marty” and “Saint Marty.” Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching, as he prepares for this year’s holiday dinner, which will take place at his place of worship, Immaculate Conception Church.
Initially, these dinners were only open to senior citizens in the area. Marty has since expanded so that those who are homeless can also be included.
“This is our 44th year in a row, never missed, of a Thanksgiving dinner,” said Rogers in an interview with Today. Marty takes a great deal of pride and pleasure in watching everyone enjoy their meals as well. He’s even got a whole routine established for interacting with each of the new arrivals. It’s beyond touching to hear him describe the way that he speaks to those in need.
“They come in the door, they get welcomed, they get a name tag, and I get to play maitre d’. ‘How’s the food?’ ‘Is everything OK with you guys?’ And at the end, they come around with seconds of pies. I love to see people (say) ‘I can’t eat no more,’” Roger said to Today.
He was not even willing to put a stop to the tradition during the thick of the pandemic last year. Instead of closing his doors, he offered a takeout version of the same meal.
This year, Marty plans on offering up delivery and takeout options to hungry patrons in the area. Joe and Maria, Rogers’ children, have also been helping out with the meal since they were small.
“I was probably like, 5 years old, so I couldn’t spell very well, and I was a waiter so I would walk around to people’s tables and just draw what they ordered,” Joe Rogers recalled to Today. “I’d draw a little turkey … or create a symbol for cranberry sauce,” he continued. “I would describe my father as someone who truly embodies the spirit of giving, in every aspect, and just knows the importance of community, of treating people with dignity and respect,” added Maria.
Watch the interview below to see more of Roger and his work: