14 Places to Volunteer in New York City for Thanksgiving 2025

If you're looking for a way for your whole family to volunteer in New York City this Thanksgiving, you've come to the right place. Finding suitable options for families with children isn't as easy as it seems: many charities impose age restrictions, and "family" volunteer spots are booked up weeks in advance.

To make the search easier, the publication MommyPoppins We've compiled the best options for volunteering with kids this Thanksgiving in New York City. This list includes initiatives for all ages, so every family member can contribute.

Many of these volunteer initiatives aren't limited to holidays—families need help year-round. If Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa are full, try signing up for another date.

Healthy Foods Holiday Challenge — Upper West Side

• October 20 - November 30 2025 of the year
• Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew

The West Side Campaign Against Hunger is raising $300,000 to provide 12,000 families with holiday food baskets. A $75 donation covers dinner for one family. This year's event, Volunteer Fest, is a new event—a 24-hour volunteer marathon to pack and deliver food to those in need. Children ages 6 and up are welcome to participate.

Race to Deliver — Central Park

• November 23 2025 years

This is the 32nd annual race in support of God's Love We Deliver: adults run 4 miles, and children aged 2 to 11 participate in the Kids' Run. Individuals, families, and teams can register.

Operation Gobbler Giving - Brooklyn

Since 1989, Reaching-Out Community Services has helped more than 6,500 families in 16 city neighborhoods. As part of Operation Gobbler Giving, volunteers will distribute turkeys and holiday food to 800 families. You can register online in advance.

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FeedingNYC — Midtown, Long Island

• November 24–25, 2025

Since 2001, the organization has delivered over 100,000 holiday dinners to families living in shelters. A $48 donation provides one full meal for a family.

Thanksgiving Morning Meal Delivery — all over the city

• November 27 2025 years

God's Love We Deliver prepares and delivers meals to people with serious illnesses. Volunteers prepare or deliver meals in the morning, before family gatherings. Children are also welcome to participate: their presence lifts the spirits of the recipients. Registration is required.

Friendsgiving for No Kid Hungry — all over the city

Organize your own Friendsgiving to raise funds for No Kid Hungry. It's an easy way to unite and help children in need.

New York Common Pantry Food Drive — all over the city

• October 1 – November 7, 2025

This organization distributes 8 million meals annually to over two million New Yorkers. You can organize your own food drive at home, work, or school. Non-perishable items such as rice, pasta, canned vegetables, and sauces (no glass containers) are acceptable.

Citymeals on Wheels — all over the city

The organization delivers hot meals to homebound seniors. Children and their parents can help with the delivery or make greeting cards.

Dorot's Card-Making Program — all over the city

The organization Dorot invites families to create holiday and greeting cards for seniors. Finished items can also be mailed, and Dorot volunteers will deliver them to the recipients.

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Encore Meals on Wheels — Midtown West

Catholic Charities of New York delivers hot and healthy meals to seniors in Midtown Manhattan. Families with children of all ages are invited to volunteer. Together, you can bring a delicious meal, fellowship, and a little joy to those living alone. You can register using the form at organization's website.

Food Bank for New York City — all over the city

The New York City Food Bank invites families to organize food drives or fundraise online. All necessary supplies for the campaign are provided.

Masbia Soup Kitchen Network — Brooklyn and Queens

The Masbia soup kitchen chain welcomes volunteers ages 12 and up (children ages 12-14 must be accompanied by a parent). Volunteers assist on-site: greeting guests in the dining rooms, clearing tables, washing dishes, preparing meals, and working in the kitchen. Volunteers can also help distribute leaflets.

New York Cares Coat Drive — all over the city

An annual collection of warm clothing for the homeless and low-income. You can donate a coat or organize your own collection at a school, home, or office. Collection points are located throughout the city. A full list of addresses is available at New York Cares website.

Brooklyn Book Bodega — Brooklyn, Navy Yard

A nonprofit organization that distributes free books to children. You can donate money, new or used, but in good condition, books, or order the ones you need from the list on the website.