The holiday spirit was alive in Yonkers Tuesday, where neighbors packed into the Yonkers YMCA for a warm Thanksgiving dinner served with care, compassion and a whole lot of heart. Volunteers spent the day preparing trays of turkey, stuffing, mac and cheese, chicken parm, pepper steak and more — all to ensure anyone in need had a place to sit, eat and feel welcome.

Food manager George Negron says feeding the community takes more than ingredients; it takes love.

Volunteers like Maurice Burgess echoed that message, saying before they enjoy the holiday with their own families, they want to make sure other families don’t go without. Even junior volunteers stepped up, with Kyrie Gallman proudly helping serve meals to neighbors facing homelessness and food insecurity.

Leaders at the YMCA say the dinner comes at a difficult time for many Yonkers residents, but gatherings like this create a safe space where people can connect and feel supported.

As CEO Jason Rodriguez puts it, “People are struggling… it’s about bringing them together.”

On Tuesday night, that mission was on full display.