17th Annual NJ Thanksgiving Basket Brigade

One basket can change a family’s Thanksgiving.

Every November, our volunteers shop, pack and anonymously deliver Thanksgiving meals to families going through hard times across New Jersey. This year our goal is 250 families, and every dollar goes to the baskets.

Delivery day: Sunday, Nov 22, 2026Based in Union, NJDonations needed by Fri, Nov 20Download the flyer
Thanksgiving baskets packed and ready for delivery
17years of Basket Brigades
200families served in 2025
100%volunteer-run
NJfamilies served statewide, from our home in Union County

Delivered anonymously, with respect

We protect the privacy of every family we serve. No names, no photos, no strings attached. We simply bring a Thanksgiving meal to the door during a trying time.

Four ways to help

Start today by spreading the word, then join us November 20-22. Come for an hour or all weekend. Kids and families are welcome.

Now – Fri, Nov 20

Spread the word

Share our campaign, ask local businesses and your employer to donate. This is when every basket gets funded.

How to help today →

Fri, Nov 20 · 10 AM – 6 PM

Shop & gather

Drivers and shoppers hit the stores and turn donations into groceries and turkeys for every basket.

Sat, Nov 21 · from 2 PM

Decorate & assemble

Pack and decorate a basket for each family, message card included, ready for delivery the next morning.

Costa Del Sol, 2443 Vauxhall Rd, Union, NJ 07083

Get directions →

Sun, Nov 22 · from 8 AM

Deliver

Teams drive baskets and frozen turkeys to families’ doors, quietly and anonymously. Bring your own vehicle and we’ll pair you with a team.

Costa Del Sol, 2443 Vauxhall Rd, Union, NJ 07083

Get directions →

Now through Friday, Nov 20

Help us fund every basket

The weeks before the Brigade are when baskets get funded. Every share, every local business and every company gift brings us closer to 250 families.

Share on social media

Post our page or the flyer on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp or your group chats.

Ask local businesses

Restaurants, shops, salons, auto shops, gyms and services in your neighborhood can sponsor a basket or donate. We’ll gladly thank them.

Email a business our info →

Ask your employer

Many companies donate to local nonprofits or match employee gifts. We’re a registered 501(c)(3) and provide tax receipts for every donation.

Request corporate donation info →

2026 Thanksgiving Basket Brigade flyer: assembly Saturday Nov 21 at 2 PM and delivery Sunday Nov 22 at 8 AM at Costa Del Sol, Union NJ, with donation QR codes for GoFundMe, Zelle, PayPal and Venmo

Spread the word

Get the 2026 flyer

Print it, post it, or send it to your church, school, office or group chat. Every share helps us reach our goal of 250 families.

A typical Thanksgiving basket

What’s in a basket

A full Thanksgiving dinner for one family, packed with care and delivered anonymously.

  • A 13-17 lb frozen turkey
  • Stuffing, mashed potatoes & gravy
  • Corn, green beans & yams
  • Mac & cheese, soup & bread
  • Cranberry sauce & juice
  • Cake mix, fruit & treats

See the full basket list & photos →

Every year, real baskets, real families

See where your donations went: the shopping, the packing and the deliveries, year by year.

See every year

Give in under a minute

Tap the way you like to give. $50 feeds a family. The Ripple Effect Community Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so donations may be tax-deductible.

PayPal Giving FundCard or PayPalGoFundMeGive and share the campaignVenmo@therippleeffectcom

ZelleSend in your bank app to therippleeffectcommunity@gmail.com

By check: payable to The Ripple Effect Community Inc, 440 Grier Ave 3rd Fl, Elizabeth, NJ 07202  ·  Show QR codes for scanning

Need a receipt for your taxes?Every donation, however you give, qualifies. Email therippleeffectcommunity@gmail.com with your name, mailing address, the amount, the date and how you gave, and we’ll send you a donation receipt. (PayPal Giving Fund also emails you its own receipt.)Request my receipt

Questions?

Email therippleeffectcommunity@gmail.com or call (908) 718-7488.

All FAQs & contacts →

How are families selected?

We partner with churches, social services and grassroots groups who know which neighbors need help this year.

Can I get a tax receipt?

Yes. We’re a registered 501(c)(3). Email therippleeffectcommunity@gmail.com with your name, mailing address, the amount, the date and how you gave, and we’ll send you a donation receipt.

Can I bring my kids or family?

Absolutely. It’s the ideal time to show kids the joy of giving.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This