Celebrating Community Voices, Sharing Holiday Joy!

Get Your Holiday Bag

Who: You must be a Bread for the City client and have visited Bread for the City for any of our services at least two times in 2023.

What: Clients will choose between a whole chicken or turkey for protein, a bag of Thanksgiving fixings and sides, and fresh seasonal groceries. We will not give out debit cards this year.

When: November 1 to November 21, 2023, except November 10. 9 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday.

Where:
Northwest Center: 1525 7th St NW, Washington, DC (Shaw/Howard Metro Station)
Southeast Center: 1700 Good Hope RD SE, Washington, DC (Anacostia Metro Station)

How: Please bring a current DC ID OR picture ID with proof of DC residency within three months (lease information, mail with DC address, or current DC health insurance card). One bag per household, please.

How to Support Our Holiday Helpings Program:

Donate to provide holiday meals to our DC neighbors! Any amount makes a difference,
Organize a food or clothing drive: Here’s what we ask for.
Support in style: Purchase Holiday Helpings merch!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Holiday Helpings?

Holiday Helpings is an annual Bread for the City program to share a little extra joy with our community members during the holiday season. Going on its 31st year, Holiday Helpings provides a turkey (or a chicken), holiday fixings, and fresh produce for thousands of DC families living on low income.

Why Does Bread for the City Host Holiday Helpings?

At Bread for the City, we believe no one should go without. We’re inviting you to fill a holiday table this Thanksgiving! Our mission is to provide DC families with supportive services with dignity and respect, and what better way to do that than to be there for them during the holiday season?

What Are Your Goals for Holiday Helpings?

Bread for the City seeks to provide 12,500 households with their Thanksgiving turkey, or chicken, and holiday groceries to provide our community with the staples they need to celebrate Thanksgiving their way – should that mean cornbread stuffing and yams or extra green beans and grandma’s prized casserole recipe. Providing groceries helps our community members to celebrate their traditions at home with loved ones.

How Much Does Holiday Helpings Cost?

To support 12,500 households this year, Bread for the City needs to raise $1,200,000 in contributions from neighbors like you. This support includes the food cost of $68 per family, staffing and delivery costs to distribute Holiday Helpings groceries to seniors and those with disabilities at their homes, and distribution at our community centers.

What Will My Donation Go Towards?

100% of your donation will provide holiday foods to DC neighbors in need so everyone can celebrate this special time of year.

To make a difference, you can donate here today. We also invite you to spread the word about Holiday Helpings with your coworkers, family, and loved ones. Historically, 25-50% of our fundraising success stemmed from the collective efforts of our supportive community in organizing peer fundraising drives.

Together, we can make the holidays extra special for our DC neighbors!