Thanksgiving Food Drive, Giveaway Event In Montclair: 2025 Holidays

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of a Patch Montclair community member. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Reach Out Montclair, Montclair Mayor Renee Baskerville, The Pride Center of Montclair, and Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones invite Essex County residents to come together in the spirit of gratitude and giving for the annual Thanksgiving Food Drive, Community Celebration, and Thanksgiving Meal Box Distribution, taking place on Sunday, Nov. 23 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Wally Choice Community Center, 49 Maple Avenue.

The event will bring together local organizations, businesses, and civic leaders in a shared mission to support families in need and to spread kindness throughout the holiday season.

Event Highlights

Free Thanksgiving Meal Box Distribution

Families in need may receive a complete Thanksgiving meal box by registering online at: https://form.jotform.com/253044323467151 or by contacting Reach Out Montclair at reachoutmontclair@gmail.com or 862-485-8470.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Donations of nonperishable items will be collected from Nov. 1 to Nov. 22 at the following community drop-off sites:

• Bridge Athletics – 130 Valley Road
• 3D Barbershop – 324 Orange Road
• 7 Planchet Drive
• Key Cuts Barbershop – 20 Church Street

Requested items include: mac and cheese, canned gravy, green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, stuffing, apple pie, cranberry sauce, and cornbread.

Community Partnership

This event is made possible through the collaboration and generosity of numerous community partners, including: Montclair Mayor Dr. Renee Baskerville, The Pride Center of Montclair, The Essex County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Amir D. Jones, Mindful Breath Foundation, The Khawaja Foundation, Montclair Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, Organization of Competitive Bodies, and Montclair PBA Local 53.

Additional supporters include: Jones Road Beauty, Rho Lambda Lambda Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Eta Pi Chapter, Brother to Brother, Sentinels Sixteen-87, Inc., Cornerstone General Store, Montclair Cobras, Montclair Community Pre-K, Castro Development LLC, Community Outreach Program OLMC, Franklin Steak House, and many others.

Together, these partners embody the true spirit of Montclair — compassion, cooperation, and community care.

“On this Thanksgiving, Montclair shows who we are at our core — a community that refuses to let our neighbors go without. This giveaway is more than bags of food; it is dignity, care, and the reassurance that none of us faces hard times alone. I am deeply grateful to Reach Out Montclair, the Pride Center of Montclair, and the many community organizations and volunteers who have come together to make this day possible. Your generosity turns compassion into action. Together, we continue to weave a stronger safety net for every family, in every neighborhood, and we affirm once again that Montclair’s greatest strength is each other.”

— Dr. Renee Baskerville, Mayor of Montclair

“Every year, we’re reminded that the heart of Montclair beats strongest when our community comes together,” said Maddie Guthrie, Founder of Reach Out Montclair. “This event started as a simple idea — to make sure no family went without a meal on Thanksgiving — and has grown into a beautiful collaboration of neighbors, organizations, and local leaders working hand in hand. The generosity we see each November is what makes Montclair so special. It’s not just about food; it’s about connection, compassion, and community care.”

“At the Pride Center of Montclair, we believe that care and inclusion are cornerstones of a strong community,” said Marie Cottrell, Founder of the Pride Center of Montclair. “We’re honored to stand alongside Reach Out Montclair and our fellow partners to ensure no one is left out of the joy and comfort that Thanksgiving brings. When we come together — across neighborhoods, backgrounds, and identities — we build a Montclair where everyone truly belongs.”

“The Essex County Sheriff’s Office is proud to partner with Reach Out Montclair and so many dedicated community organizations for this year’s Thanksgiving Food Drive,” said Essex County Sheriff Amir D. Jones. “True public service extends beyond law enforcement — it’s about showing up for our neighbors, especially during the holidays. By working together, we ensure that every Essex County family has the opportunity to share a warm meal and feel the support of a community that cares.”

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