The New York Mets and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation have announced the “MetsGiving” initiatives they are carrying out during this 2026 holiday season.
The MetsGiving initiative consists of a series of programs focused on helping Queens residents — especially those living in underserved communities — throughout the months of November and December.
Events scheduled for this year include a food drive, turkey giveaway, coat drive and a children’s holiday party at Citi Field in Willets Point.
These initiatives will also feature special appearances by Mr. and Mrs. Met, former New York Mets players, members of the team’s administrative staff and corporate partners.
food drive
The food drive will take place on Thursday, November 12, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field.
During this event, which benefits the City Harvest organization, community members are invited to donate non-perishable canned and packaged goods. Those who donate at least 10 items will receive a voucher redeemable for 2 tickets to a Mets home game of your choice during the 2027 season. Tickets will be valid for games held between Monday and Thursday, excluding Opening Day.
Additionally, those who donate at least 10 items will receive an exclusive 20% discount at the official Mets store (restrictions may apply on certain products). Mr. and Mrs. Met will also make a special appearance during the drive. More information, including a list of the most necessary foods, can be found at Mets.com/FoodDrive.
Ragalan turkeys
On Friday, November 20, just before Thanksgiving Day, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation will host its 12th annual turkey giveaway.
Thanks to the sponsorship of Stop & Shop and Toyota dealers in the New York metropolitan area, 9,000 turkeys will be distributed to people in need.
For this event, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation will collaborate with a network of 31 partner community organizations in New York City.
In-person distributions will be held in all five boroughs, including Queensborough Community College (Queens), West Side Campaign Against Hunger (Manhattan), New York Common Pantry (The Bronx), Project Hospitality (Staten Island), and City Harvest (Brooklyn). The distribution at Queensborough Community College will also include “Thanksgiving” staples donated by Stop & Shop.
coat drive
New York Cares has partnered with the Amazin’ Mets Foundation to host a coat drive on Thursday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Mets Team Store at Citi Field.
This 20th annual Mets Coat Drive, presented by local Toyota dealers in the New York metropolitan area, will feature Mets and New York Cares staff receiving donations of coats to help New Yorkers in need stay warm during the cold winter months.
Those who donate new or gently used coats will receive a voucher for 2 tickets to a Mets home game in 2027 (valid Monday through Thursday, excluding opening day of the season), plus a 20% discount on select items in the official store. The characters Mr. Met and Mrs. Met will also be present at the event.
Christmas party for children
More than 150 students from Queens elementary schools will attend the annual Kids Holiday Party, hosted by the Mets and the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, on Thursday, December 17, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the Heineken Diamond Lounge at Citi Field.
Children will be able to enjoy games, lunch and Christmas craft activities. Santa Claus will also make a special appearance to deliver gifts to children.
Additionally, Operation Warm, a grant recipient from the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, will provide new winter coats to each child.
Free parking is reported to be available for food drop-offs and coat drives in Lot G, which can be accessed through Gate 1 on Seaver Way.
The entrance to the Mets Team Store, where these events will take place, is located on the first base side of Citi Field, between the Jackie Robinson Rotunda and the Hodges Entrance.
(This story was first published on QNS.com)
