SocietyX plans 16th annual Harlem Turkey Drive with 400 turkeys and 500 meals

SocietyX founder Jaclyn Rosenberg will lead the 16th Annual Harlem Turkey Drive on Nov. 23 in Harlem, with support from CC Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation, chef JJ Johnson and Allen Robinson II. The event will distribute 400 turkeys and 500 hot meals, marking the program’s largest giveaway yet.

Why it matters: - The Harlem Turkey Drive has grown into a 16-year Thanksgiving tradition that supports hundreds of Harlem families with food and community programming. - This year’s expanded distribution is the event’s largest yet, with 400 turkeys and 500 hot meals planned. - The drive brings together athletes, chefs, businesses and volunteers around a local food-insecurity effort.

What happened: - Jaclyn Rosenberg, founder and CEO of SocietyX, will lead the 16th Annual Harlem Turkey Drive on Monday, Nov. 23, 2026. - The event will take place at the Polo Grounds PAL Community Center in Harlem. - SocietyX will provide 400 whole turkeys with grocery packages containing 12 Thanksgiving fixings. - SocietyX will also serve 500 freshly prepared hot meals. - Amber and CC Sabathia’s PitCCh In Foundation is among the event’s major supporters. - NFL star Allen Robinson II is joining this year’s effort. - James Beard Award-winning chef Joseph “JJ” Johnson, founder of FIELDTRIP, is also supporting the drive.

The details: - Rosenberg has personally led fundraising, sponsorships, partnerships and event production for 16 years. - The Harlem Turkey Drive began as a small community effort and has become an annual tradition backed by athletes, entrepreneurs and local businesses. - Johnson is returning to the initiative after participating in its early years. - The event will also include face painting and family-friendly activities. - Volunteer setup and unloading are scheduled for 12-2 p.m. on Nov. 23. - Hot Thanksgiving meal service is set for 4-6 p.m. on Nov. 23. - Turkey and grocery package distribution is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. on Nov. 23. - Volunteers will assemble Thanksgiving grocery packages on Sunday, Nov. 22, from 4-6 p.m. at ACME Supermarket in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Between the lines: - The event blends direct food aid with visible community participation, which helps turn a one-day giveaway into a broader civic gathering. - The recurring involvement of athletes and high-profile supporters suggests the drive has built a durable fundraising network over time. - Johnson’s return connects the current event to Harlem’s local food culture and gives the drive added community resonance.

What’s next: - Volunteers will gather on Nov. 22 to prepare grocery packages. - The public distribution and meal service will follow on Nov. 23 at the Polo Grounds PAL Community Center. - The expanded support base could help SocietyX sustain or grow the drive in future years.

The bottom line: - SocietyX is using a longtime Harlem tradition to deliver a record food giveaway while keeping community partners at the center of the effort.