5+ Thanksgiving Drives and Dinners for Uptown Community Members
From turkey distributions to community-driven luncheons, check out this roundup of Uptown Thanksgiving events.
The Thanksgiving holiday is rooted in communal gratitude. Whether you're volunteering at a neighborhood turkey distribution, pulling up a seat for your neighbor at the dinner table, or spending time with elders, acts of service during this season exemplify the power of human connection.
Every November, a collective of Uptown nonprofit organizations, groups, and businesses, including Columbia University, organize efforts to ensure community members in need can experience the magic of the holiday season.
From food drives to festive community-driven celebrations, we've curated a list of a few local Thanksgiving resources and events that are still open to Uptown residents.
Charles Pan-Fried Chicken’s 3rd Annual Turkey and Ham Giveaway
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23 | 12:00 PM
Location: 439 W 125th St., New York, NY 10027
At Uptown staple Charles Pan-Fried Chicken, the reverence for community is embedded in the brand. Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Southern cuisine-inspired neighborhood gem is hosting its "3rd Annual Turkey and Ham Giveaway" in the heart of Harlem. The eatery’s founder, James Beard-nominated chef Charles Gabriel, and Chief Operating Officer Chef Quie Slobert will provide neighbors in need with their choice of a free turkey or ham—while supplies last—to add a little comfort food flair to their at-home Thanksgiving Day meals this season.
ALMS and the NYPD's 26th Precinct’s Thanksgiving Senior Luncheon
Date: Saturday, Nov. 23 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: 515 W 125th St., New York, NY 10027
Thanksgiving will be buzzing with community-driven celebrations Uptown, and among the festive events on the calendar is a holiday-inspired luncheon hosted for seniors in Harlem. Organized by the Association for Learning and Mentoring Services—a local nonprofit that aims to promote uplifting social and civic values through volunteerism—and the NYPD's 26th Precinct, the party will feature a Thanksgiving feast, refreshments, music, and games. The Thanksgiving gathering, sponsored by Community Care Corps and the West Harlem Development Corporation, is designed to connect elder neighbors throughout the community.
Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement’s Annual Thanksgiving Giveaway
Date: Monday, Nov. 25 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: 256 W. 153rd St., New York, NY 10039
Traditionally, turkeys are the celebratory centerpieces of Thanksgiving meals, and the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement is on a mission to ensure Uptown residents don’t go without one this holiday season. The 38-year-old nonprofit—a Columbia Community Service grantee—is hosting its annual Thanksgiving giveaway at its brick-and-mortar location in Hamilton Heights. Local families in need can expect to receive free items to add to their Thanksgiving Day menu.
Harlem Grown’s Thanksgiving Drive
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 26 | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: 116 W 134th St., New York, NY 10030
This holiday season, the Uptown-based nonprofit Harlem Grown is helping local families in need curate the ultimate farm-to-table dining experience. As an extension of its mission to ensure nutritious meal options are accessible in neighborhoods like Harlem, the urban sustainability-driven organization is hosting a food drive for community members where it will distribute frozen turkeys and fresh produce to create the perfect seasonal side dishes. Harlem Grown has also crafted a collection of Thanksgiving-inspired recipes—boasting everything from sweet potatoes to savory stuffing—to help folks spark some culinary creativity in the kitchen.
NYPD's 30th Precinct and 30th Precinct Community Council's Annual Turkey Giveaway
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 26 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: 1841 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY 10031
When it comes to supporting families in need, it takes a village. This holiday season, the NYPD's 30th Precinct and 30th Precinct Community Council is teaming up with the West Harlem Development Corporation and the New York African Chorus Ensemble to pay it forward and provide Hamilton Heights residents with free turkeys for their Thanksgiving meals. The annual food distribution—which will commence at Carmansville Playground—is all about community, connection, and care.
2024 Bronx Turkey Trot
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28 | 8:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Location: Sedgwick Ave. & Goulden Ave., Bronx, NY 10463
Kick off your Thanksgiving morning with a festive fitness experience in the Bronx. Hosted by the Uptown running collectives Pints & Pavements and Bronx Nomads, this annual holiday run is rooted in generosity as runners are encouraged to donate canned goods to support local residents. During the turkey trot—which is open to runners and walkers at all levels—there will be a raffle for a delicious pumpkin pie. Lace up your sneakers and take strides toward uplifting those in need this holiday season.
National Action Network’s Annual Thanksgiving Dinner in Harlem
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: 106 W 145th St., New York, NY 10039
Reverend Al Sharpton's National Action Network (NAN) has a longstanding legacy of empowerment and this Thanksgiving holiday the organization is continuing its tradition of ensuring neighbors in need have food on the table. NAN will host its annual community-driven Thanksgiving dinner—often attended by local community leaders and elected officials—at the House of Justice headquarters in Harlem where neighbors can commune and connect over hot meals. Two days before the Thanksgiving dinner, on Nov. 26, the organization will host a free turkey distribution for local residents.
A Thanksgiving Tribute: The 2nd Annual 5K Turkey Race
Date: Thursday, Nov. 28 | 11:00 AM
Location: 679 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10031
Although Thanksgiving is a celebratory holiday for many, it can be difficult for those who are navigating loss. The local woman-led fitness collective EQ Fitness by Nahla Fitness is offering support for neighbors through the power of wellness. Kick off Thanksgiving Day with a family-friendly communal run/walk at Riverbank State Park in remembrance of friends and loved ones who have passed away and in support of those battling cancer-related illnesses. The annual 5K will be followed with coffee, hot cocoa, and conversations.