Welcome to the 5th Annual Cosmic Cranksgiving!!

Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11am
➡➡ Start at Cosmic Bikes ➡➡ finish at Lake Effect Brewing

Cosmic Cranksgiving is ready to roll again in 2026

Every year, throughout the country, shops and individuals organize Cranksgiving events to help provide thousands of those in need with a food during the holiday season. Our annual Chicago food drive/scavenger hunt by bike gets rolling on Saturday, November 7 at 11am from Cosmic Bikes in Jefferson Park. Since we began this tradition here on the NW side, riders contributed hundreds of pounds of holiday food, pantry staples and personal care items to folks in need through New Hope Pantry.

The event will begin with registration and check-in starting at 11 at Cosmic Bikes (with some energizing beverages and snacks on hand). The event is free, but you will need money to purchase food and other items to be donated ($20-40 is typical, but the sum is entirely up to you). All riders will receive a list of items to buy from specific grocery stores around the NW Side, all accessible via local roads and trails.

Once you've acquired everything you're able to on the list, haul it back to Cosmic Bikes. Please be sure to arrive no later that 3:30 to have your haul weighed and recorded for a chance to win bike-themed prizes at the closing ceremony.

The Closing Party

The closing ceremonies will take place at Lake Effect Brewing at 3073 N. Milwaukee at 4:30 pm. All participants will receive a ticket good for one free beverage at Lake Effect, and we'll award prizes the winners with the heaviest haul!

The mountain of your donations will be delivered the following week to New Hope Community Food Pantry for distribution to needy families and individuals through their food pantry and aid programs.

Questions? Contact COSMIC BIKES with any questions about Cranksgiving Chicago: 773-930-4076 (voice or text) or justyna@cosmicbikes.com

Registration is encouraged but not required! Day of registration accepted!

SHOPPING LIST

These are currently based on the wish list provided by New Hope Community Pantry. Feel free to get as many as you like and as your budget allow. Please bring your donations back to Cosmic Bikes, we will box them up, and deliver to New Hope after the weekend.

👉Please note that this is a food drive for specifically requested items based on actual, known needs of the people New Hope Pantry serves, and not an opportunity to empty your closet of unwanted items.

Requested Food Items:

  • #1 request: Good quality canned tuna and other fish

  • Canned chicken and Spam

  • Progresso and Chunky soups

  • Cereal and Oatmeal 

  • Canned fruit, any variety

  • Canned vegetables

  • Knorr Rice and Pasta sides or similar

  • Canned meals: Spaghetti Os, Beef Stew, Chili

  • Pancake Mix & Syrup

  • Pasta & Pasta Sauce

Other non-perishable food items including:

  • Nut Butter

  • Crackers

  • Mac & Cheese

  • Granola & Granola Bars

Other Goods:

  • Shampoo (unscented preferred)

  • Conditioner (unscented preferred)

  • Soap / Body Wash (unscented preferred)

  • Baby Wipes (unscented preferred)

  • Diapers, esp. size 4-6

  • Individually wrapped toothbrushes

  • Toothpaste

Winter items:

  • Hats/beanies

  • Neck warmers

  • Gloves

  • Warm socks

Suggested shopping options:

SIX CORNERS:

The area around Milwaukee/Irving Park/Cicero intersection has numerous shopping options for both food and clothing within easy distance: Jewel, ALDI, Target, Marshall’s and Ross Dress for Less.

Local grocery stores:

Andy’s Deli
5442 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)

Happy Foods
6415 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60646 (map)

HarvesTime Foods
2632 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (map)

Montrose Deli
5411 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60641 (map)

Shop & Save
6312 N Nagle Ave, Chicago, IL 60646 (map)

Tony’s Fresh Market
4137 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 (map)

Other Mainstream Options:

Jewel
4729 N Central Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)
4042 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)

Mariano’s
5353 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)

Whole Foods
6020 N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60646 (map)

For clothing:

Target
4631 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60630 (map)

Costco
7311 N Melvina Ave, Niles, IL 60714 (map)
This can be crowded and not super bike-friendly, bu If you decide to shop here, there is also a Target and ALDI at the same intersection.