No one should have to spend Thanksgiving hungry. Across Pittsburgh and the surrounding region, community organizations, churches, and nonprofit groups are preparing to serve hot holiday meals, deliver dinners, and distribute groceries to families and individuals who need a little extra help this Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Day Hot Meals & Dinners
Light of Life Rescue Mission (North Shore)
One of Pittsburgh’s largest Thanksgiving Day traditions. They host a massive Thanksgiving Day event directly at the mission, serving hot turkey dinners with all the trimmings to homeless and low-income individuals. In addition to a sit-down meal, they distribute warm winter coats and clothing.
Transgiving by TransYOUniting (Citywide)
This year, TransYOUniting celebrates its 10th anniversary by serving over 1,000 holiday meals. They host a free sit-down Thanksgiving dinner from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, alongside meal pickups and deliveries. Individuals in need must register by Nov. 24 at transyounitingpgh.org.
St. Peter & St. Paul Orthodox Church (Carnegie)
Thanksgiving Day Open House featuring a completely free Thanksgiving buffet dinner from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM. Free holiday meal delivery is also available to those in need across the Greater Carnegie and South Hills areas (pre-orders required by Nov. 24). Visit orthodoxcarnegie.org.
Jubilee Kitchen (Hill District)
True to their 365-day mission, Jubilee Kitchen remains open on Thanksgiving Day during their standard morning hours (7:00 AM to 1:00 PM) to serve a hot holiday midday meal to anyone who walks through the door.
Free Thanksgiving Home Deliveries
“Get Stuffed with Love” (Pittsburgh Police)
For over two decades, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has partnered with local churches to hand-deliver fresh, hot Thanksgiving meals directly to the homes of elderly, disabled, and unsheltered individuals on Thanksgiving Day. To request a meal, individuals must contact their local Zone Community Resource Officer before the mid-November deadline.
Pre-Thanksgiving Grocery & Box Distributions
For those who have a place to cook but cannot afford the food
The Urban League of Pittsburgh
Hosts a massive free food distribution on Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. They provide free groceries, including turkeys and traditional sides, specifically to families who cannot afford the cost of a holiday dinner.
Light of Life Box Outreach
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, Light of Life coordinates with 30 partner organizations to distribute over 2,000 “Thanksgiving Dinner Boxes” (complete with a turkey, stuffing, and sides) to low-income families across the region.
Thanksgiving Day Volunteering
Volunteer slots fill up weeks in advance — register online immediately
- Light of Life Rescue Mission: Register through their Light of Life Volunteer Portal. Help set up, serve hot turkey dinners, clear tables, and distribute winter coats.
- Transgiving by TransYOUniting: Sign up via transyounitingpgh.org to help with food service, hall setup, and meal delivery driving.
- Jubilee Kitchen: Volunteers needed Thanksgiving morning from roughly 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM to help prepare and serve the community holiday meal.
Pre-Thanksgiving Volunteering
Help before the holiday — keep your Thanksgiving Day open for family
- “Get Stuffed with Love” (Pittsburgh Police Delivery): Volunteer your time and vehicle on Thanksgiving morning to hand-deliver hot meals to the elderly and shut-ins. Contact your local Pittsburgh Police Zone station’s Community Resource Officer to register.
- Urban League of Pittsburgh Distribution: Hundreds of volunteers needed on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to help unbox, organize, and hand out holiday grocery boxes.
High-Priority Food & Goods Donations
Most items need to be dropped off by November 16–20
| Organization | What They Need Most | Drop-Off Location |
|---|---|---|
| Light of Life | Frozen turkeys, boxed stuffing, canned cranberry sauce, instant mashed potatoes, gravy packets | 234 Voeghtly St (North Shore) |
| Shepherd’s Heart | Veteran Focus: Heavy-duty winter coats, thermal socks, gloves, and grocery store gift cards ($10–$25) | 13 Pride St (Uptown) |
| East End Cooperative Ministry | Canned yams, canned green beans, cream of mushroom soup, fried onions, pie crust mixes | 6140 Station St (East Liberty) |