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Thanksgiving season is upon us! You can celebrate by giving back during a food drive or burn off some calories before the stuffing during a 5K. Either way, there are plenty of events to check out on Long Island for Thanksgiving.
Nassau County
Families Helping Families
What’s a better way to show gratitude this season than by giving back? Families Helping Families is an event in which volunteers can prepare Thanksgiving meals for those fighting poverty. It will be on Nov. 11 starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Mid-Island Y JCC in Plainview. There will also be opportunities to deliver food packages right to the door of families in need. If you cannot attend in person, donations are encouraged. The event will be hosted by the UJA Federation of New York.
Port Washington Thanksgiving Day Run
Port Washington’s 50th Annual Thanksgiving Day Run will take place in Manorhaven Park. The run will be on Thanksgiving Day, so it’s a nice way to justify indulging in that extra helping of turkey. Proceeds from the event will support the Community Chest, a nonprofit that helps 29 local charities such as Be The Rainbow and the EAC Network. This scenic run allows participants to explore the rolling hills of Port Washington and Sands Point and will end at the park overlooking Manhasset Bay.
Give back every month with Kiwanis
1863 Thanksgiving Celebration at Old Bethpage Village Restoration
At Old Bethpage Village Restoration, you can tap into the past during their 1863 Thanksgiving Celebration. This museum is said to be a truly immersive experience where attendees can dive fully into the 1800s. On Nov. 29 and 30, you can experience a Civil War–era Thanksgiving with food and traditional customs. There will also be historic reenactments. The celebration will last from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kid’s Craft Day
Come enjoy a family-friendly event right before and after Thanksgiving at Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium. On Nov. 26 and Nov. 28, the nonprofit will be hosting a crafting session for kids. Learn how to make delightful festive decorations while building fun memories with your little one. The sessions will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Annual Turkey Giveaway / Sorteo Anual de Pavo
The Village of Hempstead is hosting its Annual Turkey Giveaway on Nov. 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Make sure to register ahead of time if you are in need of a turkey. The seasonal event will be held at Kennedy Memorial Park. Turkeys will be available for village residents only.
Feed Long Island Series
The Feed Long Island Series is a movement created to help fight hunger across Long Island by organizing races. They have supported organizations such as Long Island Cares, The Harry Chapin Food Bank and more. The EisnerAmper 5K Turkey Trot in East Meadow will be on Nov. 22 in honor of Long Islander Neil Chadderton. If you miss that one, you can participate in Garden City’s Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day near St. Paul’s Recreation Complex in East Meadow.
Suffolk County
St. Kilian Thanksgiving Food Drive
You can start off the month of November by giving back during St. Kilian’s Thanksgiving Food Drive. On Nov. 1 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Nov. 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., the nonprofit will be collecting food for those in need. Not able to make either date in person? No problem! You can choose from a list of suggested items on their Amazon wish list to send. St. Kilian also welcomes donations of supermarket gift cards or monetary contributions.
Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Class
Learn how to bake some sweet treats in time for the Thanksgiving holiday at Sweet Legends Bakeshop in Selden. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 15, attendees will learn how to make sugar cookies. It’s a beginner-friendly baking class, so don’t be intimidated when reaching for that icing pipe. You’ll learn the basics and how to best decorate your creations. There will also be take-home kits available for purchase if you want to practice your technique at home. The class is open to all ages, and children under 12 must attend with a parent.
FN Cornhole Thanksgiving Eve Tournament
Cornhole has risen to another level with FN Cornhole’s Annual Thanksgiving Eve Tournament. If you have some serious cornhole skills to test out, this event is perfect. The competition will be held at Lindenhurst Memorial Park and the winner will receive a cash prize — happy Black Friday to the winner! Doors will open at 6 p.m. on Nov. 26.
Premier Payroll’s Turkey Drive Fundraiser
In support of Long Island Harvest’s 17th Annual Turkey Drive, this fundraiser will provide attendees with an enjoyable night out complete with an open bar and delicious food. The event will take place at the Tap Room in Farmingdale on Nov. 10 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals will also be available.
Second Annual Turkey Drive at Station Yards
The organization Station Yards in Ronkonkoma will be throwing a turkey drive in support of Long Island Cares. Anytime on Nov. 14 between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., you can donate a frozen turkey or any other nonperishable items. The event is in partnership with the Ronkonkoma Chamber of Commerce, the MacArthur Business Alliance and Sachem Schools.
Nissequogue River State Park Turkey Trot 5K
For our East End runners, the Nissequogue River State Park Turkey Trot 5K will be taking place on Nov. 27. This will be their 18th year and it’s happening rain or shine. There will also be a 1K run for kids, plus a DJ to help keep the energy going.
Top photo by Calle Macarone on Unsplash
