With Thanksgiving being a day of gratitude, many are giving back and lending some of their time to those in need.  This includes presidential candidate Michael Bloomberg.

The former mayor was at The Bowery Mission in Lower Manhattan today, which supports the homeless and hungry.  It’s been a number of years since Bloomberg visited the preeminent organization, but being that he’s running for president, volunteering becomes somewhat standard. 

“Those of us that are blessed to have an obligation to those of us that aren’t, is lucky — and we should do something about it,” Bloomberg said.

Bloomberg himself claimed this was not a day for politics, but about giving back. His visit came unannounced.

When asked about his candidacy, Bloomberg was quick to respond, “I don’t know that this is a day for politics, we can talk politics any other day you want, but I think today we should talk about how we help each other. And you can help through government, you can help as a private citizen, you can help whether you’re wealthy or struggling.”

Bloomberg helped offer meals, handed out care packages (which include winter weather gear and toiletries) and even sampled the bacon.

The Bowery Mission helps support the homeless and hungry, and plans to hand out 1,200 meals today alone.