LOWER EAST SIDE — The Bowery Mission is preparing to serve more than 11,000 Thanksgiving meals across the five boroughs this week, according to projections based on last year's service.
The organization's Lower East Side home base at 227 Bowery alone is expected to serve 1,800 people with 650 volunteers serving up turkey and stuffing.
The mission has also distributed meals to charitable partners across the city, said a spokesman for the group. Of the 11,000 meals expected to be served, roughly 7,000 meals will be served on Thanksgiving Day, according to Bowery Mission's projections.
Volunteers at the The Bowery Mission will serve up meals every hour on the hour beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m.
The diners will also receive a new coat and other winter garments in a "blessing bag," including socks, hats, gloves, and hygiene items such as soap and shampoo. Those interested in donating a blessing bag can check out a list of items needed and donation instructions on the mission's website.
And though the pantries are fully stocked for the massive week of service, the chapel will need additional donations to restock after the marathon of feasts, spokesman said.
"We significantly deplete our pantry resources this week," said chief development officer James Winans. "If people want to consider holding onto food donations and then bringing them in next week, that's actually a great time to donate food."