Families are struggling more than ever this Thanksgiving to put food on the table and keep their loved ones warm. If you are fortunate enough this year, please consider donating to one of the organizations listed below. There is a plethora of groups helping provide food, coats, and other resources to families this Thanksgiving and holiday season
New York Cares Coat Drive - Not since the Great Depression have so many people experienced hunger, unemployment, and illness. Basic needs like food and warm clothing compete with one another as families and individuals face cruel choices.
NY Common Pantry - New York Common Pantry works toward the reduction of hunger and food insecurity through an array of programs that function to establish long-term independence for those they serve. Their whole-person approach starts with food provision through the distribution of nutritious, fresh food pantry packages in Choice Pantry and hearty balanced breakfast and dinner in the Hot Meals program.
Invisible Hands - They are a non-profit organization delivering groceries and other essential items to populations especially vulnerable to COVID-19.
Concrete Safaris Toy & Food Drive - Since 2008, Concrete Safaris has prepared youth in East Harlem and beyond to lead healthy lives and shape their environment through outdoor education, play, exploration, and community engagement. Support East Harlem families this Thanksgiving and holiday season by dropping off canned goods and toys at Concrete Safaris at 158 East 115th Street, suite 144 from 10am to 5pm.
Food Drive lasts until 11/25
Toy Drive lasts until 12/23
Coalition for the Homeless Toy Drive - More than 19,000 children will spend the holidays in homeless shelters, but you can help bring kids the warmth and happiness of the season. A new toy is a simple way to make a big impact on the life of a child in need!
Purchase a gift off the Amazon Wish List
Services for the Underserved Holiday Gift Giving Project - S:US drives scalable solutions to transform the lives of people with disabilities, people in poverty and people facing homelessness: solutions that contribute to righting societal imbalances. The S:US Holiday Gift Project is designed to offer New Yorkers an opportunity to share in the spirit of the holiday season by providing a personalized gift to individuals served by S:US.
Purchase a gift off the Amazon Wishlist
New Alternatives - They work to increase the self-sufficiency of LGBTQ+ homeless youth and young adults by enabling them to transition out of the shelter system to stable adult lives. They do this by providing long-term support, weekly case management, education services, life skills training, community-building recreational activities, opportunities for self-expression, and programs for HIV+ youth. Their guiding principles are those of harm reduction, youth development, and empowerment.
Hygiene supplies (email for current needs)
Feeding NYC - They strive to provide Thanksgiving dinner to as many families who are living in shelters as possible. One small box can make an incredible impact for a family in need this year. They are unable to hold their traditional volunteer packing event due to COVID-19. They will still be feeding the 5,000 families promised food through a small internal team.
Start a fundraising campaign to raise funds through your network
Food Bank for NYC - Food Bank for New York City has been working to end food poverty in all five boroughs for over 36 years. As the city’s largest hunger-relief organization, they employ a multifaceted approach centered on helping low-income New Yorkers overcome their circumstances and achieve greater independence.
Metrocause - With the rising cost of public transportation, it's no secret that many New Yorkers struggle to get around. Whether it’s a formerly incarcerated person trying to get to a job interview or a senior trying to get to a doctor’s appointment, the gift of public transportation is transformative. Metrocause is a project of the Church of the Heavenly Rest's Outreach team which consists of Church Staff, Parish Leaders, and volunteers.
Wishing you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!
All the best,