Operation Drumstick
January 21, 2026New York School of Urban Ministry
Christmas Compassion
Outreach in NYC
Christmas Mission Trip & Urban Ministry Experience
The Christmas Compassion Outreach is a city-wide urban ministry outreach in New York City that shares the love of Jesus through practical service, joyful celebration, and intentional evangelism during the Christmas season.
2026:
December 11-16
5 nights — $554 Per Person
December 4-6
2 nights — $261 Per Person
2027:
December 10-15
5 nights — $577 Per Person
December 3-5
2 nights — $272 Per Person
What Is
Christmas Compassion
Each year, volunteers partner with local churches, ministries, and family shelters across NYC to serve children, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Through toy distributions, worship, and hands-on outreach, over 1,000 toys are given to children living in city shelters, while homeless men and women receive essential resources including blankets, hygiene kits, food, water, and Gospel literature.
This outreach also includes a dedicated children’s ministry program and festive moments like Christmas caroling in the heart of Manhattan—creating a meaningful and joy-filled experience for both those being served and those serving.
Every aspect of this outreach is designed to bring hope, restore dignity, and share the message of Christ’s love during one of the most meaningful times of the year.
What is involved in this outreach?
- Friday (Arrival Day): Check-in, orientation, dinner, and evening homeless outreach following a time of worship and preparation
- Saturday (Daytime): Christmas Compassion Outreach serving children across NYC
- Saturday (Evening): Homeless outreach and Christmas caroling in Manhattan before teams are deployed to outreach locations
- Sunday (Free Day or Departure): Option to attend a local NYC church and explore the city, or depart (for weekend teams)
- Monday (Daytime): Outreach opportunities such as food pantries or soup kitchens
- Monday (Evening): Children’s outreach programs across NYC
- Tuesday (Daytime): Additional outreach opportunities across the city
- Tuesday (Evening): Prayer and worship gathering at The Brooklyn Tabernacle or Times Square Church
- Wednesday (Departure Day): Breakfast and departure
What You’ll Experience at NYSUM's
Discover NYSUM
During Christmas Compassion, participants will experience:
Serving hot meals through our Mobile Food Truck across NYC
Participating in two nights of homeless outreach on the streets of New York City
Distributing : blankets, hygiene kits, food, water, and Gospel literature
Children’s ministry programs with worship, skits, puppets, and interactive activities
City-wide toy giveaway to children living in shelters (1,000+ toys distributed)
Opportunity to sing Christmas carols in Manhattan (Rockefeller Plaza area)
One-on-one: evangelism, prayer, and Gospel conversations
Participation in: prayer stations and personal ministry moments
Hands-on service opportunities with children and individuals experiencing homelessness
Opportunities to serve in: NYC food pantries or soup kitchens (for week-long teams)
Attending a prayer meeting or Christmas program at a NYC church (for week-long teams)
This outreach is open to individuals and groups ages 13 and up, including both small and large teams looking to serve in urban ministry in New York City during the Christmas season.
What Volunteers Can Expect
Key Ministry Features
Children’s Ministry & Toy Giveaway
A central part of this outreach is serving children living in NYC shelters through a dedicated ministry program. With worship, Christmas carols, skits, puppets, and interactive activities, children experience a joyful and welcoming environment. Each child receives a new toy, helping make Christmas meaningful and memorable while also hearing a clear and age-appropriate Gospel message.
Homeless Outreach (2 Nights)
Teams serve on the streets of New York City across two dedicated outreach nights. Volunteers distribute blankets, hygiene kits, food, water, and Gospel literature while engaging in personal conversations, prayer, and encouragement. These moments provide opportunities to share the true meaning of Christmas while offering dignity, care, and hope.
Daytime Outreach Opportunities (Monday–Tuesday)
For teams participating in the extended outreach, daytime ministry includes serving in food pantries, soup kitchens, and community programs across NYC. Teams may also participate in prayer walks, street evangelism, and outreach within diverse communities throughout the city.
Tuesday Night Prayer & Worship Experience
On Tuesday evening, teams attend a corporate prayer and worship gathering at either The Brooklyn Tabernacle or Times Square Church. This is a powerful time of spiritual encouragement, where participants join with a local NYC church for worship, teaching, and prayer.
Evangelism, Prayer & Gospel Ministry
Throughout the outreach, volunteers engage individuals and families through one-on-one conversations, prayer, and Gospel-centered interactions. Prayer stations and personal ministry moments create space for encouragement, healing, and spiritual support.
Mobile Food Truck Outreach
The Mobile Food Truck serves hot meals throughout the outreach in areas where the need is greatest. This allows teams to meet physical needs while building relationships—creating opportunities for prayer, conversation, and Gospel-centered ministry.
Past Ministry Visits
See some of the amazing times our teams have had visiting.
Why It Matters
Christmas Compassion
The Christmas Compassion Outreach in NYC brings both practical care and the message of the Gospel into some of the most vulnerable communities during the Christmas season.
For children living in shelters and individuals experiencing homelessness, this outreach provides more than toys, meals, or essential resources—it offers dignity, encouragement, and the reminder that they are seen, valued, and not forgotten.
At its core, this outreach reflects the meaning of Emmanuel—God with us. Through every toy given, meal served, carol sung, and prayer offered, the love of Jesus is shared in a personal and tangible way. Many individuals and families have the opportunity to receive prayer, hear the Gospel, and experience hope during a season centered on it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Christmas Compassion.
- Homeless outreach and daytime ministry may involve subway travel, NYSUM vans, or team vehicles
- Saturday outreach transportation is typically arranged through team vans or NYSUM
For Homeless Outreaches:
- Toiletries
- New socks and undergarments
- New or gently used clothing (hats, gloves, scarves, etc.)
For Children’s Outreaches:
- Brand-new toys (optional additional donations)
To coordinate toy donations, teams should contact NYSUM in advance. Items may be brought on arrival or shipped ahead of time.
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.