BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Whether it's through gifts, donations or your time, the holiday spirit is in the air and there are plenty of opportunities to give back in Bedford-Stuyvesant.
Neighborhood churches are preparing dinners, luncheons and giveaways throughout the week and local nonprofits and organizations like the Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger seek volunteers year-round.
You can lend a helping hand at these spots:
► Church of the Pilgrim Holiness
24 Arlington Place.
On Nov. 21, the Church of the Pilgrim Holiness is hosting a free, pre-Thanksgiving luncheon starting at noon. Volunteers are welcome to help prepare or serve food.
► Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner
The Living Gallery, 1094 Broadway
Organizations Hey There Beautiful Inc. and We Feed N.Y.C. are seeking food, drinks, clothing, toys, books and more for their dinner on Nov. 21.
Give back to the community with donations or your time at The Living Gallery. Contact 347-676-0585 or wefeednyc@gmail.com for more details.
► 81st Precinct Community and Clergy Council’s Annual Senior Thanksgiving Celebration
Cornerstone Baptist Church, 289 Lewis Ave.
The annual Senior Thanksgiving Celebration is brought back by the 81st Precinct Community Council, where faith leaders, police and elderly residents come together for the holiday. Volunteers are needed to cook dishes such as peas and rice, turkeys, hams, pies, collard greens and more.
They’re also seeking volunteers to help in the kitchen, serve food and assist with clean up, or provide financial donations. The event runs from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 22. For more information, call the precinct’s community affairs office at 718-574-0433.
► AMG Spread Love Thanksgiving Day Giveback
Marcy Plaza, corner of Marcy Avenue and Fulton Street
Bring canned goods, clothes or donate your time as part of this Thanksgiving Day event. Local organization Avenue Music Group partners with the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District to provide food, clothing and entertainment to the community, according to organizers.
The event looks to address poverty in Brooklyn and seeks collaboration with nonprofits and local businesses to help hundreds in the community. Artists are encouraged to get involved in the free performances during the event, which will be held on Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
► Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger
2010 Fulton St.
In 2015, the Bed-Stuy Campaign Against Hunger provided served 90,000 children, 105,000 adults and 20,000 seniors through their food pantry, according to the organization’s website.
As the holidays kick off, Thanksgiving is one of the group’s busiest times and volunteers are needed Monday through Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day. Volunteers will work for a minimum of two hours in the pantry helping give out turkeys, unloading and loading supplies and restocking food. Donations of canned goods or monetary assistance are also welcome.
► St. John’s Bread & Life
795 Lexington Ave.
St. John's Bread & Life serves more than 2,500 meals each day and is always searching for people to give their time serving meals, work in the pantry or help out at at the Lexington Avenue resource center.
The soup kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday, and groups are welcome to volunteer. For more information, contact the organization at 718-574-0058 x164 or by email at jstephen@breadandlife.org.
Looking for more opportunities to give back in Brooklyn and throughout the city? Check out these listings:
MAP: Your Volunteering Guide for the Crown Heights Area
Here's Where to Volunteer in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill This Thanksgiving
Here's Where You Can Do Some Good and Volunteer This Thanksgiving
