Thanksgiving
The Busiest Time of the Year
The Bowery Mission's 142nd Thanksgiving Day Celebration on November 25, 2021 took place in the midst of a continuing pandemic that has ravaged our city. Despite these challenges, we still continued our annual tradition of gathering together as New York neighbors, with delicious warm meals and shared compassion. At our Bowery Campus, a hot breakfast was served between 8 - 9 a.m., and special Thanksgiving to-go meals were safely served outdoors between 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Guests had the choice to enjoy their hot meal onsite in ventilated outdoor dining tents.
On Thanksgiving Day alone, The Bowery Mission served over 2,000 meals across multiple campuses in Manhattan. Alongside social distancing, sanitizing and PPE, there was 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.
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The 142nd Thanksgiving celebration, at the Bowery Campus.
PHOTOS Jeffrey Lau Photography
"Thanksgiving is really important to a lot of people, because it’s a family holiday. But many 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 were able to do the same for Thanksgiving. It's more important now than ever, as New York City’s economic recovery from COVID-19 lags well behind the nation. Hundreds of thousands of workers have yet to find full-time jobs. In addition, pandemic-related job losses hit low-wage workers the hardest — pushing many people into new food insecurity. As a result, an estimated 1.5 million New Yorkers are facing food insecurity every day. We are grateful for compassionate supporters like you who are showing neighbors in need that they are not alone and that someone cares.
During the months of October and November, we served an estimated 50,000 meals at multiple campuses throughout Manhattan. This culminated with over 2,000 meals across all campuses on Thanksgiving Day alone.
Through your support, we prepared, served and distributed food including 315 turkeys, 2,000 pounds of potatoes, 1,000 pounds of vegetables, 300 pies and 200 pounds of coffee!
After the special celebration at the Bowery Campus, we hosted a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for overnight emergency shelter guests at the Tribeca Campus.
Our Residential Program clients at our Harlem and East Harlem Campuses also prepared and enjoyed Thanksgiving meals in community.
The Bowery Mission's Mont Lawn City Camp children's programs hosted a Thanksgiving Field Day celebration, providing 115 families with a turkey, pie, pantry goods and grocery gift card.
How We Prepared for Thanksgiving at The Bowery Mission
Weeks in advance, we began working to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal including turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Everything was home-cooked, prepared with love by our faithful staff, supporters and volunteers.
Ways to Support The Bowery Mission Throughout the Year
Give Financially
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
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.
Donate Goods
Host a giving drive to help our community. Learn about current needs and more at bowery.org/donategoods.
Volunteer
Join us in our work to empower others! Prepare or serve meals, tutor and mentor clients or participate in skill-based opportunities.
Sponsors
As Thanksgiving is the busiest time of the year for The Bowery Mission, we are so grateful to all of our supporters and leaders in the community who make this care possible.
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