Backpack Outreach
January 21, 2026
Christmas Compassion
January 21, 2026New York School of Urban Ministry
Operation Drumstick
Thanksgiving Outreach
Thanksgiving Mission Trip & Urban Ministry Experience
The Operation Drumstick Thanksgiving Outreach is a large-scale urban ministry outreach in New York City that shares the love of Jesus by serving thousands of individuals and families with full Thanksgiving meals.
2026:
November 6-8
November 13-15
2 Nights — $261 Per Person
2027:
November 5-7
November 12-14
5 nights — $272 Per Person
What Is
Operation Drumstick
In partnership with local churches, ministries, and shelters, volunteers help distribute traditional holiday dinners—featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce, and dessert—to approximately 3,000 people in need across NYC. Each meal is served with care and dignity, providing warmth, encouragement, and practical support during the holiday season.
In addition to the meal distribution, this outreach includes two nights of street-level homeless ministry, where teams bring hot meals, essential resources, prayer, and the message of Jesus directly to those experiencing homelessness throughout the city.
What is involved in this outreach?
This is a full weekend outreach experience that includes hands-on ministry and community engagement:
- Friday (Arrival Day): Check-in, orientation, dinner, followed by a homeless outreach after a time of worship and preparation
- Saturday (Daytime): Full-day Operation Drumstick Thanksgiving Outreach serving communities across NYC
- Saturday (Evening): Additional homeless outreach following a time of worship and preparation
- Sunday (Departure Day): Breakfast, followed by departure or the option to attend a local NYC church
What You’ll Experience at NYSUM's
Operation Drumstick
During Operation Drumstick, participants will experience:
Serving Thanksgiving meals to thousands of individuals and families across New York City
Participating in two nights of homeless outreach on the streets of NYC
Distributing: hot meals, clothing items, and essential resources
Engaging in one-on-one evangelism and prayer with community members
Serving both sit-down dining-style meals and grab-and-go outreach locations
Sharing testimonies and the Gospel through personal conversations
Participating in worship, ministry moments, and Gospel presentations
Seeing lives impacted through both practical service and spiritual care
This outreach is open to individuals and groups ages 13 and up. Both small and large teams are welcome to participate in this Thanksgiving outreach mission in New York City.
Past Ministry Visits
See some of the amazing times our teams have had visiting.
Why It Matters
Operation Drumstick
The Operation Drumstick Thanksgiving Outreach in NYC meets both physical and spiritual needs during one of the most meaningful times of the year.
In a city where many individuals and families face food insecurity, this outreach provides more than just a holiday meal—it offers dignity, warmth, and a sense of belonging to those who may otherwise feel forgotten during Thanksgiving.
The holiday season can also be emotionally challenging, bringing increased feelings of loneliness, stress, and isolation. Through simple but intentional acts of care, this outreach creates opportunities to bring encouragement and connection to those who need it most.
At its core, Operation Drumstick is about showing up with compassion—meeting people where they are and sharing the hope of Jesus through presence, prayer, and genuine care.
Frequently Asked Questions about Operation Drumstick.
- • Homeless Outreach Nights: Teams may travel by subway, NYSUM vans, or their own vehicles. Some locations are more accessible by subway, while others are easier to reach by car. Transportation is dependent on what has been previously arranged.
- • Saturday Outreach: Transportation will typically be either team vans or NYSUM-provided transportation, depending on what has been arranged in advance.
- • Our team will guide you on the best transportation option based on your assigned outreach site.
For all NYSUM mission trip packages, participants will primarily use public transportation, NYSUM vans (if arranged), or team vehicles depending on the outreach schedule and locations.
Public Transportation Options
- Weekly OMNY Card:
Replaces the previous 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard and provides convenient access to NYC subways and buses throughout the week. - Pay-Per-Ride Option:
- $1 for a new transit card
- $3 per single ride
- Tap-to-Pay (Contactless):
Participants can also use credit/debit cards or mobile devices (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) to tap and pay directly at subway turnstiles and buses.
Important Notes
- Transportation methods may vary depending on outreach locations and prior arrangements
- NYSUM staff will guide each team on the most effective and efficient travel options
- Some outreach sites are more easily accessible by subway, while others may require vans or team vehicles
Have more questions? Call us 718-204-6471
Providing Urban Ministry
NYSUM’s Legacy
Since 1984, the New York School of Urban Ministry has trained more than 50,000 youth and adults in hands-on urban ministry. Each year, NYSUM hosts and deploys over 5,000 participants by partnering with more than 100 inner-city churches and ministries across New York City.
Through initiatives such as mobile food truck ministry, homeless outreach, shelter ministry, street evangelism, and seasonal compassion programs, NYSUM equips mission teams to meet both physical and spiritual needs while strengthening the local church.