Thanksgiving

The Busiest Time of the Year

This year, The Bowery Mission marks its 142nd Thanksgiving Day Celebration in the midst of a continuing pandemic that has ravaged our city. Despite these challenges, we will still rise up to continue our annual tradition of gathering together as New York neighbors, with delicious warm meals and shared compassion. The needs are great — even more so because of COVID-19. To ensure safety, we won't have our traditional tables crowded with guests, but there will be nourishing food, caring community, unconditional love and hope shared with each person who comes 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 this season.

Thanksgiving Day Services:
Free Holiday Meals and Care

At our Bowery Campus, special Thanksgiving to-go meals will be served outdoors. Hot breakfast will be served between 8 and 9 a.m, and Thanksgiving dinner will be served during a five-hour period between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. We welcome anyone who would like to enjoy their hot meal onsite to do so as our limited outdoor seating allows. We will have partially open tents following mandated health and safety requirements, along with adequate social distancing and PPE.

To learn about our programs regularly available, please visit bowery.org/get-help and see how you can receive care today.

"Thanksgiving is really important to a lot of people, because it’s a family holiday. But a lot of people aren't able to be with their families, or maybe they haven’t seen their family for a while. When you’re at The Bowery Mission on Thanksgiving, it's special to see people who you might normally see sitting in a park all come in here like a family and get so full. It's special to see people who usually don't smile, smile."

— Brian, client of The Bowery Mission

The Impact of Your Support

Thanks to dedicated supporters, donors and volunteers, The Bowery Mission continues to adapt how we serve our community due to COVID-19. And, with such generosity, we will do it again this Thanksgiving. It's more important now 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 partners 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 plan to serve 50,000 meals at multiple campuses throughout Manhattan.

Weeks in advance, we begin working to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal including turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Everything is home-cooked, prepared with love by our faithful staff, supporters and volunteers.

Guest enjoying a Thanksgiving meal at Tribeca Campus

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner will be hosted for overnight emergency shelter guests at our Tribeca Campus.

Client preparing Thanksgiving meal at Harlem Campus

Our Residential Program clients at our Upper East Side, Harlem and East Harlem Campuses will also prepare and enjoy Thanksgiving meals in community.

Highlights from Thanksgiving 2020

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

Ways to Support The Bowery Mission this Thanksgiving

Give Financially

Give Meals & Hope

Donate towards meals, radical hospitality and other critical care this Thanksgiving. A special holiday meal is just $1.59 each. Think about how many people you can help with your special gift today! It is only possible because of friends like you.

Fundraise

Learn More

Create a fundraising campaign that will supply thousands of meals and other care this season. 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.

Volunteer

Due to social distancing and safety regulations in New York City in response to COVID-19, we will not open Thanksgiving Week volunteer opportunities to the public. We invite you to join us on other available days. Thank you for your understanding!