Looking for ways to give back this Thanksgiving? The IFPO Thanksgiving Turkey Drive 2026 is a wonderful way to help local families.
Each holiday season, many Essex County families struggle to put Thanksgiving dinner on the table. Fortunately, the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges (IFPO) is working to make a difference.
This November, residents of Summit, Short Hills, Millburn, and surrounding towns can help. Here’s how to get involved.
Support the IFPO Thanksgiving Turkey Drive 2026
The Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges helps families facing food insecurity. The organization serves residents of Orange, East Orange, and West Orange.
Each Thanksgiving, IFPO collects frozen turkeys and holiday food donations. These contributions help provide meals for local households.
This year, the organization is asking for frozen turkeys and fully packed reusable grocery bags.
Every donation helps make Thanksgiving a little brighter for a neighbor in need.
Three Ways to Give Back This Thanksgiving
1. Donate a Frozen Turkey
Donating a turkey is one of the simplest ways to support the IFPO Thanksgiving Turkey Drive.
IFPO is accepting frozen turkeys that have never been thawed.
Several donation locations are available throughout Essex County. You can find the complete schedule below.
2. Fill a Thanksgiving Holiday Bag
In addition to turkeys, IFPO is collecting reusable bags filled with holiday food essentials.
Each bag must include all the requested items. This ensures every household receives a consistent selection of food.
IFPO’s 2026 Thanksgiving donation bag checklist:
- 2 lbs. rice
- 1 lb. dried black beans
- 1 packet dry gravy mix (no glass jars)
- 1 can cranberry sauce
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz.)
- 1 box macaroni and cheese (6 oz.)
- 1 jar paprika (2–3 oz.)
- 1 jar cinnamon (2–3 oz.)
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
These bags include traditional Thanksgiving foods and ingredients suited to different cultural preferences.
3. Volunteer or Make a Financial Donation
Don’t have time to shop? There are other ways to support local families this Thanksgiving.
IFPO depends on community volunteers throughout the year. Volunteers help organize food, prepare donations, and assist with distribution.
You can also make a financial contribution to support the organization’s ongoing work.
Visit the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges to explore donation and volunteer opportunities.
Where to Donate Turkeys in Essex County, NJ, for Thanksgiving 2026
IFPO has organized several convenient drop-off locations in Short Hills, South Orange, West Orange, and Orange.
Sunday, November 22, 2026
Temple B’nai Jeshurun — Short Hills
1025 South Orange Avenue
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Congregation Beth El — South Orange
222 Irvington Avenue
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Christ Church — Short Hills
66 Highland Avenue
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Temple Sharey Tefilo-Israel — South Orange
432 Scotland Road
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
West Orange High School — West Orange
51 Conforti Avenue
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
IFPO Warehouse — Orange
357 South Jefferson Street
12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Monday, November 23, 2026
IFPO Warehouse — Orange
357 South Jefferson Street
9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
For the latest information, visit www.orangesfoodpantry.org.
The Winterbottom Team’s Commitment to Our Community
At The Winterbottom Team, giving back is an important part of who we are.
For more than 10 years, our team has supported the Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges.
Our own Andy Soloway serves on the IFPO board. His involvement reflects a longstanding commitment to helping local families.
This Thanksgiving, we’re proud to help spread the word about the IFPO Turkey Drive.
We encourage our neighbors in Summit, Short Hills, Millburn, and surrounding communities to participate.
Help Put Thanksgiving Dinner on a Neighbor’s Table
Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, generosity, and connection.
Even a small act of kindness can make a meaningful difference.
Whether you donate a turkey or prepare a holiday bag, your contribution matters.
This Thanksgiving, help put a holiday meal on a neighbor’s table.
Visit IFPO’s website to learn more about the Thanksgiving Turkey Drive.
From all of us at The Winterbottom Team, thank you for supporting our local community this holiday season.
