Each December, your support ensures that TASK can show our cherished community just how much we care.

No matter how bitter the winter weather is outside, TASK’s Escher Street dining room is always welcoming and warm — especially during the holiday season!

TASK officially kicks off the festivities with a jolly and joyful sing-along concert hosted by Holiday Express, a NJ-based nonprofit that has partnered with the soup kitchen for more than two decades.

This musical extravaganza, led by volunteer musicians and costumed performers, gets diners and staff singing, moving and grooving to classic holiday tunes. A post-concert gift giveaway ensures that the morning ends with a song and a smile.

“The Holiday Express concert is a highlight of the season and a true celebration of community that brings joy and laughter to hundreds of people,” says TASK CEO Joyce E. Campbell. “It’s one of our favorite days of the year.”

“Winter is a difficult time for many,” says TASK Senior Director of Radical Hospitality Jaime Parker, noting the sharp increase in requests for items like gloves, hats and hygiene products.

During the winter months, TASK case workers often work late into the evening, like on “Code Blue” nights when temperatures drop below freezing. It can be a challenge to help our most vulnerable find the shelter and basics they need to stay safe.

“The holidays are an opportunity to come together and celebrate community,” continues Parker, “as well as an opportunity to help people prepare for the months ahead.” She adds,

“We are especially proud to help people unwrap something they love this holiday season.”

Throughout December, TASK hosts popular holiday pop-up shops for adults and children.

The holiday giveaway for adults offers an opportunity for people to pick up the winter weather gear and necessities they need to keep themselves healthy and warm during the cold winter months.

TASK’s holiday toy shop is a week-long event for local children. Caregivers visit TASK to shop for gifts for kids of all ages, from infants to teens, and local youth also have the opportunity to shop for themselves and take home something special.

TASK will be serving our special signature holiday meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. If you or a loved one are in need of a meal and some holiday cheer, please join us. All are welcome, no questions asked.