Volunteering on Thanksgiving Morning: What to Expect & How to Prepare
Thanksgiving morning in Harlem isn’t just about turkey and stuffing—it’s about community, care, and showing up for one another. Our annual tradition brings together volunteers who rise early to spread warmth, love, and essentials across the city. Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, here’s what you need to know to serve joyfully and stay prepared.
Now that you understand the spirit of our event, let’s examine what volunteering entails on Thanksgiving morning.
As the sun rises, volunteers gather at our site, ready to turn compassion into action. Some hand out coffee, others organize winter kits, and many deliver donations to unhoused neighbors or assist with logistics and safety.
It’s a morning of motion and meaning—one that runs on both efficiency and empathy. You’ll witness real-time gratitude, see children helping elders, and meet neighbors who haven’t always felt seen. The impact is immediate, but the connections last much longer.
What You’ll Be Doing
Depending on the morning's needs and your comfort level, your role may include:
Packing and Sorting: Help organize donated items into kits, ensuring every neighbor gets what they need.
Winter Wear Giveaway: Assist guests in selecting coats, thermals, socks, and other winter essentials with respect and dignity.
Suitcase & Rolling Bag Distribution: These aren’t just bags—they’re a lifeline for those carrying their lives on foot. Volunteers help distribute and explain what’s available.
Community Care & Connection: Offer smiles, conversation, or even just a listening ear. We believe that warmth isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too.
We’ll do our best to match you with a suitable role, and every contribution makes a difference.
1. How to Prepare
Volunteering outside in November means preparing for the day’s physical and emotional demands. To be prepared, focus on three essentials: dress for the weather, pack light, and familiarize yourself with the schedule.
It’s New York in late November—layers are your best friend. We recommend:
Thermal tops and bottoms
Warm socks (maybe extras to donate!)
Waterproof boots
Gloves and hats
A weatherproof outer layer
Try to bring a backpack or tote instead of handheld bags so you can move freely.
2. Pack Light but Smart
You’ll be moving around a lot, so bring only what you need:
Reusable water bottle
Snacks for energy
Portable phone charger
Hand sanitizer
A mask
We also recommend labeling your items—volunteer gear tends to get mixed up!
3. Know the Schedule
Please plan to arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. After a brief orientation (starting shortly after 8:30 AM), outreach and distribution activities will begin at 9:00 AM and continue until early afternoon. If you cannot stay the entire time, we appreciate any time you can contribute.
Orientation happens shortly after
Distribution runs from 9:00 AM to early afternoon.
If you can’t stay the full time, any time helps.
4. Come With a Mindset of Service
The people we serve are our neighbors, not charity cases. Some may have faced housing instability, while others are simply facing a hard winter. You don’t need to “save” anyone—you just need to show up with respect, dignity, and an open heart. Your presence matters just as much as your actions.
What We Provide
We’ll make sure volunteers are taken care of as well. You’ll have access to:
Free coffee and hot cocoa.
On-site team leads for guidance.
A buddy system to help new volunteers feel supported.
We also offer certificates of service for students, community hours, or corporate teams who need verification—just let us know in advance.
Wondering if this is for you? Here’s who can join our Thanksgiving volunteer community.
Everyone is welcome! We especially love:
Families with children (ages 10+ with a guardian)
High school and college students
Seniors
Local business teams and groups
First-time volunteers
No special skills are required—just a willingness to help and learn.
Inspired to be a part of Thanksgiving in Harlem? Here’s how to join us and what to expect next.
Volunteering on Thanksgiving morning is one of the most joyful, purposeful, and community-centered ways to spend your holiday. You’ll leave a little tired, maybe a little chilly—but definitely fuller than any meal can make you.
Ready to volunteer? Visit thanksgivinginharlem.com, choose your role and time, and complete the registration form. After you sign up, you'll receive a confirmation email with event details, FAQs, and a contact for questions. Join us as a valued part of this community effort!
From all of us at Thanksgiving in Harlem—thank you for helping us keep each other warm.
