New Rochelle households can pick up a free turkey for Thanksgiving this year, but only if they call ahead. The New Rochelle Youth Bureau has opened registration for its annual Turkey Giveaway, which hands out one turkey per household on Tuesday, November 24, two days before the holiday, at the Youth Bureau in New Rochelle City Hall.

How to get a turkey

Registration is by phone. Residents must RSVP in advance by calling the Youth Bureau at 914-654-2045; there is no walk-up line for people who have not reserved. Each household can receive one turkey, and the city says the giveaway runs while supplies last, so calling early is the safer plan.

Distribution is Tuesday, November 24, starting at 10 a.m., at the New Rochelle City Hall Youth Bureau. City Hall is at 515 North Avenue. Thanksgiving falls on Thursday, November 26, which leaves time for the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator before the holiday.

Who is paying for it

Two Masonic lodges sponsor part of this year's giveaway: Xenia Lodge No. 50 of New Rochelle and Progressive Lodge No. 64 of Mount Vernon. The Youth Bureau organizes the distribution itself, as it does each year.

The Youth Bureau's other new program

The turkey giveaway is a long-running tradition. The Youth Bureau has also started something new this fall: a Year-Round Youth Employment Program that extends its summer jobs program across the school year.

The program offers eight-week paid work sessions in the fall, winter and spring for New Rochelle young people ages 14 to 20. Participants can work up to 18 hours a week at $17 an hour, and 30 are selected for each session. Along with the work itself, they go through job-readiness training aimed at building professional skills and exploring careers. Participants must meet the program's income eligibility guidelines, and the city does not take sign-ups by email.

The fall session's sign-up deadline was October 14. Families with a teenager interested in the winter or spring sessions can ask the Youth Bureau about the next sign-up window when they call about the turkey. The program is funded through the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Board.

The rest of Thanksgiving week in New Rochelle

The turkey pickup lands in a busy stretch for the city. The 62nd annual Thanksgiving Parade steps off on Saturday, November 21, sponsored by the New Rochelle Downtown BID, with Mighty Mouse leading the giant balloons up the route along North Avenue.

At a glance

  • What: New Rochelle Youth Bureau Annual Turkey Giveaway, one free turkey per household
  • When: Tuesday, November 24, from 10 a.m.
  • Where: Youth Bureau, New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Avenue
  • How: RSVP required, call 914-654-2045; while supplies last

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