Thanksgiving

The Busiest Time of the Year

The Bowery Mission's 141st Thanksgiving on November 26, 2020 came at one of the most challenging times in our city's history. Our celebration looked quite different, but we still served delicious holiday meals to as many people as possible. At our Bowery Campus, to-go meals were safely served outdoors between 12-4 p.m. and guests had the choice to enjoy their hot meal onsite in ventilated outdoor dining tents. On Thanksgiving Day alone, The Bowery Mission served over 1,500 meals across multiple campuses in Manhattan.

The needs have been great — even more so because of COVID-19. Alongside social distancing, sanitizing and PPE, there was nourishing food, caring community, unconditional love and hope shared with each person who came to our Red Doors. We know that a special holiday meal served at the Mission can be the first step toward a new life out of homelessness, addiction or whatever need our neighbors face.

The 141st Thanksgiving celebration, at the Bowery Campus.
A team of staff and volunteers packaged hundreds of to-go Thanksgiving meals.
All guests received a face mask and sanitizer upon arrival.
Our community maintained social distancing as they waited for services.
Guests were able to enjoy their meal in one of our outdoor dining tents, while keeping social distance.
Live music was provided for our community during the meal services.
Guests also received care kits including socks, a winter hat, gloves and hygiene items.
Our team was able to talk and connect with guests.
Traditional Thanksgiving meals were also provided for overnight emergency shelter guests at our Tribeca Campus.

PHOTOS Gabe DeSanti and Michelle Palafox

"If you don’t have family or no one wants to open up the doors to you, The Bowery Mission will always be there to be your family....You can sit and eat and be around other people, and the staff don’t put on airs. It’s just a very good environment. And that’s so important now. It makes you look forward to so much."

— Duane, graduate of The Bowery Mission

The Impact of Your Support

Thanks to dedicated supporters, donors and volunteers, The Bowery Mission quickly adapted how we serve our community due to COVID-19. And, with such generosity, we were able to do the same for Thanksgiving. This care was more important than ever, as an estimated 1 in 7 New Yorkers have lost their job and more than 50,000 people are at risk of eviction during the pandemic. We are grateful for compassionate supporters like you who are showing our neighbors in need that they are not alone and that someone cares.

During the months of October and November, we served an estimated 65,000 meals at multiple campuses throughout Manhattan. This culminated with 1,500 meals served across all campuses on Thanksgiving Day alone.

On Thanksgiving, from our kitchens and with generous support from our partners, we prepared, served and distributed food including 450 turkeys, 2,000 pounds of potatoes, 500 pounds of vegetables, 300 pies and 50 pounds of coffee!

Guest enjoying a Thanksgiving meal at Tribeca Campus

After the special celebration at the Bowery Campus, we hosted a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for overnight emergency shelter guests at the Tribeca Campus.

Client preparing Thanksgiving meal at Harlem Campus

Our Residential Program clients at our Upper East Side, Harlem and East Harlem Campuses also prepared and enjoyed Thanksgiving meals in community.

How We Prepared for a Pandemic Thanksgiving

"Our goal, especially this year, is to make sure that, even though things may look different than the past, our guests know that we've prepared everything with love. We want them to feel special. We still have the same mission and that is to make people feel loved, to make them feel special, and to make them feel like we are serving a king or queen."

— Susan, chef at The Bowery Mission

Ways to Support The Bowery Mission throughout the Year

Give Financially

Give Meals & Hope

Donate towards meals, radical hospitality and other critical care all year-round. A meal is just $1.59 each. Think about how many people you can help with your special gift today.

Fundraise

Learn More

Create a fundraising campaign that will supply thousands of meals and other care for neighbors in need. Our online fundraising platform is a great tool for mobilizing your personal and professional networks to care for people experiencing homelessness and hunger in New York City. You can also find additional ideas for corporate and community fundraisers.