A Philadelphia tradition with a heart for everyone.
A seat at the table.
A reason to hope.
For more than two decades, neighbors have come together through the Great Family Gathering. This Thanksgiving week, help us carry that spirit of compassion forward.
COMMUNITY IS OUR GREATEST STRENGTH ✳ EVERYONE DESERVES A SEAT ✳ COMPASSION IN ACTION ✳ COMMUNITY IS OUR GREATEST STRENGTH ✳ EVERYONE DESERVES A SEAT ✳ COMPASSION IN ACTION ✳ COMMUNITY IS OUR GREATEST STRENGTH ✳ EVERYONE DESERVES A SEAT ✳ COMPASSION IN ACTION ✳
MONDAY · NOVEMBER 23, 20267:00 AM – 5:00 PMDREXEL UNIVERSITY · PHILADELPHIA
The story behind the gathering
A meal can open the door to something greater.
A warm welcome. A shared table. A moment of dignity and connection.
The Great Family Gathering is rooted in a simple conviction: our neighbors deserve to be seen, welcomed, and cared for. Year after year, Community of Compassion CDC, volunteers, and community partners come together to put compassion into action.
What began as a commitment to serve has become a Thanksgiving-week tradition with a lasting place in Philadelphia's story.
Be Part of the Next Chapter ↗A legacy worth carrying forward
Real people. Real work.
Lasting compassion.
A history built by neighbors, volunteers, and partners who keep showing up.
22+Years of service
110,000+Individuals served over the years
5,000In the event's longstanding name, “Feeding of the 5,000”
Historical figures supplied by the organizers; please verify before use in external fundraising materials. The 5,000 figure refers to the event tradition, not a verified 2026 attendance forecast.
Why it matters
“The table is where we remind one another that community still means something.”
Our guiding message for the Great Family Gathering — not a testimonial or attributed quotation.
Mark your calendar
One day. One community.
Everyone welcome.
01 / When
Monday, November 23
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
2026 Great Family Gathering
03 / Why
Because community matters
A gathering grounded in generosity, dignity, and shared compassion.
Listed hours are event hours; specific meal distribution times have not been independently confirmed.
Make compassion visible
Show up. Serve well. Change the day.
It takes people willing to give their time and care to make this gathering possible. Volunteers support preparation, hospitality, packing, and meal service.
Volunteer training
Saturday, November 21, 2026
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Church of Christian Compassion
6121 Cedar Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19143
Training Location ↗No stock photography. This is our community.
The faces and hands
behind the mission.
Photography from previous Great Family Gatherings. Original images preserved.
The next chapter needs all of us
There is room for you
at this table.
Whether you give, serve, or bring your organization alongside this work, you can help make the next Great Family Gathering possible.
Good to know
Questions, answered.
When is the gathering?
Monday, November 23, 2026, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM, at Drexel University, 3200 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia.
When is volunteer training?
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, at The Church of Christian Compassion, 6121 Cedar Avenue, Philadelphia.
How do I donate?
Use the donation links to give through the official GoFundMe campaign. This website does not collect payments.
Can a company become a sponsor?
Yes. Explore suggested contribution levels on our partnerships page.
