Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation calls on local businesses to support the 2025 SBC Cares Thanksgiving Appeal for families in need

Rochester, New York – The Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation is calling on local businesses to step forward and support this year’s SBC Cares Thanksgiving Appeal, a long-standing community initiative organized by the Chamber’s Small Business Council. As the 2025 holiday season approaches, the Foundation hopes to rally companies, volunteers, and donors to ensure that thousands of families across the region can enjoy a warm meal this Thanksgiving.

For more than two decades, the SBC Cares Thanksgiving Appeal has been a symbol of generosity and community unity in the Greater Rochester area. What began as a modest effort has grown into one of the region’s most impactful charitable drives. In 2024 alone, the initiative distributed over 2,800 boxes of food and contributed more than $14,000 to local nonprofits—an achievement made possible by 137 donor companies and 150 volunteers who gave their time and resources to help those in need.

The momentum, however, shows no signs of slowing down. With over 6,000 families already requesting assistance this season, the Small Business Council is urging the business community to rise once again to meet the challenge. The organization is inviting companies to take part by building food boxes, making monetary donations, or volunteering their time to prepare and distribute Thanksgiving packages.

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“Amidst uncertain times, the need to give back to our shared community is greater than ever. Our region is experiencing an increased need this holiday season, and the Small Business Council and Greater Rochester Chamber are proud to help organize our region to fill this need,” said Steve Hogan, President, Small Business Council. “Each year, our Thanksgiving Appeal is made possible by the generosity of the Greater Rochester community. Thank you in advance to all of the companies and individuals who are banding together to make this year’s donation drive possible.”

That spirit of gratitude and teamwork has been the backbone of the initiative since its founding. Over the years, SBC Cares has donated more than $1.25 million worth of food supplies, reaching tens of thousands of families across Monroe County and surrounding areas. The program not only provides meals but also reminds recipients that their community stands behind them in difficult times.

The 2025 campaign will culminate with the distribution of donations on Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, when volunteers and Chamber staff will deliver food boxes to local nonprofits and partner organizations. These groups will then distribute the items directly to families ahead of the holiday.

With the growing number of requests this year, organizers emphasize that every contribution matters, whether it comes from a small local business or a large corporation. Beyond the immediate impact of food donations, the initiative fosters a powerful sense of connection among companies, employees, and residents who come together for a shared cause.

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Interested organizations can register their commitment or find additional details about participation at bit.ly/sbcthanksgiving25. For direct inquiries, Greater Rochester Chamber Events Manager Cassidy Pendell can be reached at [email protected].

As the need deepens across the community, the Greater Rochester Chamber Foundation and its Small Business Council remain determined to make a difference. Each box packed, each dollar donated, and each hour volunteered helps keep a tradition of kindness alive—a reminder that the true spirit of Thanksgiving begins with giving back.