A grandmother in Brownsville answered her door last November, expecting no one. Three volunteers stood there with a basket overflowing with Thanksgiving dinner. She didn’t say thank you first. She said, “You remembered me.” Then the tears came.
That moment? That’s why we do this.
Nearly three decades ago, amidst the bustling streets and skyscrapers of New York, a simple yet powerful idea took root. Ross Lagumina, Anna Olivo, and several other like-minded souls believed in the transformative power of community and kindness. They envisioned a world where a small act, delivering a basket of essentials, could bring warmth and hope to the doorsteps of struggling families across the city.
Back in those early days, the NYC Basket Brigade was just a handful of determined individuals. With collaboration from churches, synagogues, soup kitchens, and other community pillars, these pioneers hand-delivered each basket, turning their vision into reality and embedding the spirit of giving deep into the heart of New York.
Fast forward to today, and the NYC Basket Brigade has evolved into something extraordinary. What started as a grassroots effort has become a full-fledged movement, spanning multiple locations across the tri-state area. We’ve been a registered 501(c)(3) for 13 years now, but here’s what makes us different: we’re still 100% volunteer-run. Every dollar you donate goes directly to feeding families, not to corporate overhead or administrative bloat.
The numbers tell part of our story: Since 1996, we’ve fed over 1.5 million New Yorkers. But what numbers can’t capture is the look on a single mother’s face when she realizes Thanksgiving is possible this year. Or the dignity restored when someone knows their community hasn’t forgotten them.
The Heart That Keeps Us Going
Our incredible accountant David Block has been an integral team member of the NYC Basket Brigade since the beginning. Want to see what dedication looks like? Watch this video of David and his wife skillfully packing a basket in just 60 seconds during the 2012 NYC Basket Brigade. That same energy, that same passion, it’s still here, stronger than ever.
And then there’s Anna Olivo, our co-founder and the Energizer Bunny of this entire operation. For 25+ years, she’s coordinated logistics, rallied volunteers, managed supplies, and somehow made it all look effortless. Her entire family volunteers together, children, grandchildren, even her 94-year-old mother has been part of this journey. The Basket Brigade isn’t just an organization to Anna; it’s a family tradition of giving.
But here’s the truth: you don’t need decades of experience to make a difference. You just need to show up.
Why This Year Matters
As we gear up for this year’s Brigade, the need has never been greater. Food insecurity hasn’t disappeared since the pandemic. It’s intensified. Inflation has stretched family budgets to breaking points. The families we serve aren’t asking for much: just a chance to gather around a table and feel like Thanksgiving is possible.
Our united goal this year is ambitious: Come together as a harmonious community and feed thousands of families across Hartsdale, Brownsville, and the Bronx. But we can only do this with you.
How You Become Part of This Story
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME:
Join 100+ volunteers packing and delivering baskets this November. Your time commitment? Just 2-3 hours. Your impact? A memory that stays with families (and with you) forever.
📅 2025 Volunteer Opportunities:
- Westchester: November 17-22 (flexible time slots)
- Brooklyn: Saturday, November 15, 10 AM – 3 PM
- Distribution Day: Saturday, November 22, starting 9 AM
DONATE:
Can’t make it in person? Your donation creates the same impact. Just $55 provides a complete Thanksgiving meal for one family: turkey, stuffing, vegetables, everything they need.
👉 Donate at nycbasketbrigade.org
📱 Or text “FEEDFAM” to 44-321
All donations are 100% tax-deductible. Every dollar goes directly to feeding families.
This Is What Community Looks Like
Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or are just hearing about our mission for the first time, we invite you to become an integral part of this year’s movement. This isn’t charity from a distance. It’s neighbors helping neighbors. It’s knocking on doors and handing someone hope with your own hands. It’s showing up for people when they need it most.
Together, as a community, we can continue to change lives, one basket at a time.
Join us, and let’s make history, again.
NYC Basket Brigade
Feeding families, building community since 1996
🌐 nycbasketbrigade.org
📧 nycbasketbrigade@gmail.com
