Annual Thanksgiving & Guru Nanak Dev Ji Seva Drive

“Sharing Hope, One Meal at a Time”

When: Saturday, November 8th, 2025
5:00 AM to 4:00 PM

What: Every November, we host our largest food prep and distribution event in honor of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth anniversary and Thanksgiving. Volunteers gather from all walks of life to serve over 25,000 meals to 100+ shelters, embodying the true spirit of Langar, selfless service, and unity.

Where:
Meal Preparation: Nanak Naam Jahaj Gurudwara, 
1080 West Side Ave, Jersey City
Meal Delivery: Across 40+ shelters in New Jersey, New York & Pennsylvania

A Day of Service, A Season of Giving

Every November, Let’s Share a Meal brings together hundreds of volunteers to honor the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the spirit of Thanksgiving by preparing and delivering meals to shelters across the tri-state area. This isn’t just a food drive — it’s a movement of hope, compassion, and community.

In 2024, over 400 volunteers joined hands to prepare and deliver 10,000+ meals to 47 shelters — showing that with love and unity, no one needs to feel forgotten during the holiday season.

Inspired by Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Teachings

Guru Nanak Dev Ji taught us that “Vand Chakko” — sharing with others — is central to a meaningful life. He believed in equality, selfless service, and feeding the hungry without bias or expectation. This seva drive is our way of living his teachings, especially in November, a month of both spiritual and seasonal significance.

By 5:00 AM, the Jersey City Gurudwara kitchen is already alive with the sounds of chopping vegetables, clanging utensils, and laughter. Volunteers of all ages — from toddlers to seniors — roll up their sleeves to serve.

The day begins with Ardas (prayer) led by our elder sevadars, asking for blessings to serve humanity.

Highlights of the day:

•  Sandwiches prepared at dedicated tables with love and precision
•  Meals packed and labeled for shelters by families working together
•  Dispatch coordinated like a symphony, with drivers delivering meals to every corner of the region
•  Children decorate meal boxes with stickers and art to bring smiles to recipients’ faces
•  Logistics, volunteer coordination, and social media outreach handled by a tireless back-end team

The Power of Community

Each volunteer plays a vital role:

• Dispatch leaders ensure smooth coordination
• Women and mothers manage logistics while teaching their kids the value of seva
• Drivers brave the early morning cold to deliver meals with warmth
• New volunteers are welcomed and guided through Gurudwara traditions

Whether packing a box, making a call, or carrying food — no act is too small. Every effort counts.

The Impact

With this annual mega drive:

• Over 25,000 meals have been served in recent years
• Shelters in NJ, NY, and PA look forward to this day
• Kids learn the value of compassion by participating first-hand
• Volunteers build lifelong bonds through seva

Join the Legacy

Let’s Share a Meal is not just about feeding the hungry — it’s about building a world where no one feels alone. This Thanksgiving and Gurpurab, come be part of a legacy of compassion, gratitude, and action.

RSVP or Support: [email protected]
Follow the journey on Facebook & Instagram: @letsshareameal
Donate or sponsor meals at www.letsshareameal.org