When you think of the holidays, words like “love,” “joy,” and “quality time” come to mind, but let’s be honest, holidays are about the food. Making meals for — and maybe with — your loved ones and having conversations over them is a large part of what makes them memorable.
However, not everyone can spend the holidays with family or prepare a big feast. As we head toward Thanksgiving and beyond, here’s a list of opportunities in Philly to make someone else’s holidays merry and bright.
Giving and Volunteering
Cranksgiving at Penn Treaty Park
What: Cranksgiving emerged from alleycat races, or unsanctioned bike races, in 1990s New York. In 1999, Antonio Rodrigues wanted the race to benefit urban communities, and the first Cranksgiving took place on Nov. 20 that year.
Cranksgiving Philly is hosting its free annual race at Penn Treaty Park on Saturday. Bikers will go on a mobile scavenger hunt to purchase food at different checkpoints in the city. Registration for the race starts at 11 a.m. and the event kicks off at noon. The proceeds will go to Philabundance, and the Cranksgiving finish line is at their warehouse on Berks Street. If people don’t want to race, they are welcome to drop off food at the finish line.
When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Starts at Penn Treaty Park, ends at the Philabundance warehouse on Berks Street.
Giving Machines at Fashion District
What: Light the World Giving Machines are vending machines that sell items for purchasers to donate to local and global charities. On Monday, the Giving Machines will debut during a celebration starting at 11 a.m. in The Cube at the Fashion District. There will be three machines for shoppers to use, and the last day to use them is Dec. 4. Charities that will benefit include Philabundance, Mt. Airy Church of God of Christ, Interfaith Philabundance, Days for Girls, Mentors International and Ministry of Caring. On Nov. 22, the Giving Machines will host an Eagles Night, hosting the team’s offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, and players Britain Covey and Tanner McKee.
When: Monday, Nov. 18, at 11 a.m. and Friday, Nov. 22, at 6 p.m.
Where: Fashion District, 9th and Market streets entrance
Friendsgiving and Game Night
What: The Urban League of Philadelphia’s young professional group NexT is hosting a Friendsgiving for members and non-members on Friday, Nov. 22, at 6:30 p.m. Guests will play games as they socialize and eat a holiday-style meal. They are also encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item or a toy to The Bethesda Project or Marines Toys for Tots Philly. Tickets cost $5 for members and $10 for non-members, and the money will go to the Kyle Shenandoah Scholarship, community programming, and other ULP initiatives.
When: Friday, Nov. 22, 6:30-9 p.m.
Where: 901 Market Street, Suite 3020
Food for the Hungry Volunteering at Maverick City Music Concert
What: Food for the Hungry is hosting a volunteer drive at Maverick City Music’s Good News tour on Monday, Nov. 25. The organization’s goal is to end food poverty in disadvantaged communities around the world. Volunteers have to be 16 years or older and be fluent in English. A mandatory meeting will take place at 5 p.m. for training, and volunteers will be dismissed before the concert ends. Details about what to wear and what to do are written on the Eventbrite page.
When: Monday, Nov. 25, at 5 p.m.
Where: Temple’s Liacouras Center, on N. Broad Street.
Receiving
Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
What: The Rho Theta Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) sorority is having its annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at Zion Baptist Church on Saturday, from 12 to 2 p.m. AKA members will give away 100 free turkeys to families in need, so they, too, can celebrate. The public is allowed to come, but families should prioritize coming early before the turkeys run out.
When: Saturday, Nov. 16, 12-2 p.m.
Where: Zion Baptist Church on N. Broad Street.
Tyrese Maxey Foundation Turkey Giveaway
What: The Tyrese Maxey Foundation was established by the 76ers rising star in 2021. The Texas-based non-profit supports youth to ensure that they grow up to be “the next generation of leaders.” The foundation is hosting its annual holiday turkey giveaway at the George Washington Carver High School for Engineering and Science on Nov. 23 from 12 to 2 p.m.
When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: George Washington Carver High School for Engineering and Science
Belfield Recreation Center Turkey Giveaway
What: The Belfield Recreation Center is hosting a turkey giveaway for the surrounding community. To be eligible, recipients must use the recreation center as their polling place. The giveaway starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 2 p.m. on Nov. 23. Although W. Chew Avenue is listed as the center’s address, the turkey drive will take place in front of the baseball field on Conlyn Street.
When: Saturday, Nov. 23, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Conlyn Street baseball field
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
