Harlem Nonprofit Launches Food Drive Ahead Of Holidays

HARLEM, NY — A Harlem nonprofit that has given out thousands of free meals during the pandemic is stepping up its efforts to help feed families during the holiday season.

The Brotherhood/Sister Sol has donated more than 250,000 meals over the past few months through weekly distributions outside its Hamilton Heights headquarters while also maintaining a full slate of youth programs.

"It’s a need that revealed itself early in the crisis and does not seem to be abating at all," said John Dumey, the organization's director of development.

The distributions take place each Wednesday, alternating between giveaways open to the general public and for Bro/Sis members only. On a typical day, Dumey said, people begin lining up at 6 a.m. for a distribution that does not start until noon, showing the scope of food insecurity during the pandemic.

Now, Bro/Sis is seeking donations for its holiday drive, which aims to provide full Thanksgiving meals for up to 250 of its member families — complete with a full turkey from Corbin Hill Farm and two full grocery bags.

The drive is seeking monetary donations, rather than food — a $100 donation would provide a Thanksgiving meal for a family of four, Dumey said, while $500 would provide the same meal for an extended family of eight, plus two weeks of groceries.

Donations will go directly to the holiday food drive through Nov. 24, but all donations support Bro/Sis's work, from the weekly distributions to its youth-run farmers market, Dumey said.

To donate, visit brotherhood-sistersol.org. To learn about becoming a member and being eligible to take part in the food drives, call 282-283-7044 or email info@brotherhood-sistersol.org.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.