Thanksgiving Events Celebrated by the New York Jets

Thanksgiving in New York is a time of family, food, and community—and for the New York Jets, it’s also a time to give back to the fans and neighborhoods that support them year-round. For over a decade, the Jets have hosted annual Thanksgiving events that go beyond the football field, bringing players, coaches, and staff together with local families in need. This year’s celebrations were no exception, featuring a week of outreach that included meal kit distributions, visits to children’s hospitals, and a special turkey dinner for underserved families in Queens and Brooklyn. What makes these events stand out is their focus on connection: the Jets don’t just donate supplies—they show up, interact, and create memories that last far beyond the holiday. Thanksgiving Events Celebrated by the New York Jets explores the heart of these traditions, the details of this year’s activities, and how they reflect the team’s commitment to its community.

Thanksgiving Events Celebrated by the New York Jets begins with the history and mission behind the Jets’ Thanksgiving initiatives. The team launched its first official Thanksgiving event in 2012, starting with a small food drive at MetLife Stadium. Over the years, it has grown into a month-long effort coordinated by the Jets Foundation, the team’s charitable arm. The core mission remains unchanged: to ensure no family in the Jets’ community goes without a warm Thanksgiving meal or a chance to celebrate. This year, the Jets partnered with City Harvest (New York’s largest food rescue organization), local Boys & Girls Clubs, and senior centers to expand their reach—focusing on families affected by food insecurity, which has risen by 25% in New York City since 2020. “Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and for us, that means giving back to the people who cheer us on every Sunday,” said Jets president Hymie Elhai. “Our players and staff look forward to these events because they remind us that football is about more than wins and losses—it’s about being part of something bigger.”

A key highlight of this year’s Thanksgiving events is the hands-on involvement of Jets players and coaches. On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, more than 30 Jets players—including quarterback Zach Wilson, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and defensive end Danielle Hunter—spent the morning at City Harvest’s Bronx warehouse packing meal kits. Each kit included a 12-pound frozen turkey, stuffing mix, cranberry sauce, green beans, and a recipe card for homemade gravy, enough to feed a family of six. Players laughed and chatted with volunteers as they folded boxes and sorted food, pausing to sign autographs for kids who came with their parents to pick up meals. Later that day, a group of coaches—led by head coach Robert Saleh—visited the Queens Children’s Hospital to host a “Thanksgiving Party” for 75 kids who were unable to go home for the holiday. The event featured face painting, craft stations (where kids made turkey-shaped placemats), and a visit from the Jets’ mascot, Swoop. “Seeing the kids smile when Swoop walked in— that’s why we do this,” Saleh said. “These kids are fighting so hard, and if we can make their day a little brighter, it’s worth every minute.”

A critical aspect of Thanksgiving Events Celebrated by the New York Jets is the impact on local families and how the events strengthen community ties—and what it means for the current New York Jets team. This year, the Jets donated over 10,000 meal kits to City Harvest, which distributed them to families in all five boroughs. The team also raised $150,000 through a player-led fundraiser (where players donated a portion of their game checks) to support City Harvest’s year-round food rescue efforts. For families like the Rodriguez family from Brooklyn—who received a meal kit from Garrett Wilson—the donation was life-changing. “We’ve been struggling to make ends meet since my husband lost his job,” said Maria Rodriguez, a mother of three. “Having this turkey and all the fixings means we can have a real Thanksgiving dinner together. And meeting Garrett? My kids haven’t stopped talking about it.” For the New York Jets, these moments aren’t just public relations—they’re a way to build trust with the community. The Jets have long been a part of New York’s fabric, and their Thanksgiving events reinforce that they’re not just a sports team—they’re neighbors. “When players take the time to talk to families and listen to their stories, it creates a bond that goes beyond football,” Elhai said.

Another important angle of Thanksgiving Events Celebrated by the New York Jets is the role of Jets fans in making the events a success. The Jets invited season ticket holders and local residents to join players at the City Harvest warehouse, turning the meal-packing event into a community-wide effort. Fans donated non-perishable food items (including canned pumpkin and boxed mashed potatoes) and volunteered their time, with many saying the experience deepened their connection to the team. “I’ve been a Jets fan since I was a kid, but working alongside Zach Wilson to pack meal kits made me feel like part of the team,” said 52-year-old fan Mike Torres from Staten Island. “It’s one thing to cheer for them on Sundays—it’s another to work with them to help people in need. That’s the Jets difference.” The Jets also used their social media platforms to encourage fans to donate to City Harvest, sharing links and behind-the-scenes videos of the events. For the New York Jets, involving fans is key: it turns a team initiative into a shared mission, reminding everyone that the Jets’ community is about more than just football.

Wrapping up Thanksgiving Events Celebrated by the New York Jets is the lasting legacy of these traditions and what they say about the Jets’ identity. For over a decade, the Jets’ Thanksgiving events have been a constant—even during tough seasons or roster changes. They’re a reminder that the team’s success is measured not just by wins, but by the impact they have on the lives of New Yorkers. This year’s events also served as a unifying force for the team: players who had just joined the Jets (like Danielle Hunter, who signed in March) said the outreach helped them feel connected to the community faster. “Coming to a new team, these events showed me what the Jets stand for,” Hunter said. “It’s not just about football—it’s about caring for the people around you. That’s a culture I’m proud to be part of.” For the New York Jets, Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday—it’s a chance to live out their values. As the team heads into the final stretch of the season, the gratitude and connection from these events will likely fuel them on the field. Thanksgiving Events Celebrated by the New York Jets isn’t just a story about a holiday—it’s a story about a team using its platform to make a difference, one meal, one smile, and one community at a time.