The holiday season is a time to celebrate and give thanks, but unfortunately not every family has the means to do so. Luckily, in NYC there are endless ways to volunteer this Thanksgiving, so you can show your little ones what it means to give back to the community! From coat drives to awareness walks, every effort helps, so we’ve picked out seven great ways you and your family can service other families this year. Happy helping!
Volunteer New York Community Harvest Walk
[November 5]
The community harvest walk is the perfect way to get involved this holiday season. You and your little ones can all participate together. With the Hunger Relief Corps leading the way, you and other volunteers can fight hunger and raise awareness together. 1-4 pm. Tibbetts Brook Park, 355 Midland Ave, Yonkers. volunteernewyork.org
Hunger Helpers in Claremont
[November 5]
Assist families this Thanksgiving season as they shop for food! Food Bank NYC is hosting a distribution to low income families, the homeless and military veterans. Slip on your closed-toe shoes and bring your teens to the heart of the Bronx for a Saturday morning filled with helping the hungry. 9:30 am-12 pm. Bronx, New York, 10457. volunteer.foodbanknyc.org
New York Cares Coat Drive Kick-off
[November 17]
Grab as many extra coats as you can this winter, and head over to the Bowery Mission. The entire family can attend the 27th annual coat drive kick-off. Various local speakers will be present to talk about the immense impact this coat drive has on the community! It’s fun and educational for your little ones. 10 am. Bowery Mission, 227 Bowery, 10002. newyorkcares.org
The Thousand Turkey Challenge
[November 20]
While you’re sitting down to your delicious meal on Thanksgiving Day, it’s important to know those less fortunate are also able to celebrate. You can make this a reality by participating in WSCAH’s 2016 Thousand Turkey Challenge. Help this organization provide 1,000 turkeys to low income families by donating money ($18 is equal to one turkey), or stopping by with a frozen one! 12:15-2 pm. Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew, 263 West 86th Street. wscah.org
FeedingNYC 2016
[November 22]
The whole family can participate in this 15-year-old tradition. Join hundreds of other volunteers as they pack and deliver Thanksgiving meals all around the city. Meals will go to low income families in need. Teach your children what it means to give back! 6 am. Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, 23rd Street and the West Side Highway. crowdrise.com
Thanksgiving Meal Delivery at God’s Love
[November 24]
Help low income families give thanks this year. Join God’s Love We Deliver, and assist in preparing and delivering meals to families and their guests. Everyone should be happy during the holidays! You can even sponsor an individual holiday plate for $10. Various times. 166 6th Avenue. glwd.org
Gobble Gobble Give 2016
[November 24]
Gather at the Church of Intercession on Thanksgiving morning with a prepared dish of your tastiest recipe. All volunteers will combine efforts to package meals to be delivered all over the city! Bring the entire family, and ensure other families have something to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. 8 am-12 pm. The Church of the Intercession, 550 West 155th Street, Harlem. form.jotform.com
