Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food, it is, above all, a time to be thankful and to give back to those less fortunate. There are so many people in the world who don’t have the gift of a nice meal, let alone a large Thanksgiving meal with loved ones. This holiday is a great opportunity to give back to those in need. With that in mind, today I’ve compiled a list of ways that you can give thanks and give back this year!
–Donate to a nonprofit that helps the hungry. Millions of people can’t afford the food they need to survive let alone a Thanksgiving meal. Make a contribution to an organization that will provide food to hungry families!
–Donate a Thanksgiving basket. Many groups collect turkeys and all the trimmings to distribute to local families in need on Thanksgiving. When you do your Thanksgiving shopping, pick up a few extras and donate them to a local organization.
–Hold a food drive. Get together with your family, friends, and neighbors and host a food drive. Collect canned goods and bring them to your local food bank.
–Volunteer at a soup kitchen. You can give back on a wonderful holiday to the people who need it the most. Get in contact with the soup kitchen in advance and let them know that you’d like to get involved.
–Send a care package to a soldier. Soldiers stationed overseas don’t have the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families, so it’s a very tough time of the year for them. Help a homesick soldier celebrate the holiday by shipping a care package through a group like Treats The Troops.
–Hold a Thanksgiving charity bake sale. Get together with friends and neighbors, do some fun holiday baking together, and sell them! People will not only love buying homemade delicious pumpkin pies but also knowing that their money is going to a wonderful cause.
–Deliver Thanksgiving dinners to housebound people. Call your local Meals On Wheels group and offer to drop off turkey dinners to elderly and sick people around your neighborhood. You could really brighten their day!
–Visit hospital patients. For people who are unwell and don’t have family nearby to visit them, Thanksgiving can be sad and depressing. Call your local hospital to find out if there are any patients who may need company and you’ll be making someone’s day!
–Take part in a charity run. This is generally the time where people pack on the pounds- but joining in a charity run can help you keep fit and also contribute to a great cause!
–Charity allowance. Give your children a charity allowance to set aside for their favorite charity of their choosing. Show them options of different organizations that they can donate to. A great way to teach your children the meaning of giving back.
–Collect coins for kids worldwide. Organization like UNICEF collect coins for children around the world. Teach your children what this great idea is all about and start collecting and giving back.
–Be a good neighbor. You don’t always have to go through an organization to spread the good. Find a neighbor in need and see what you can do to help out. Do some yard work, make a meal, or take care of their kids so they can get some holiday errands done.
–Volunteer at an animal shelter. Can’t forget about our four legged friends. With so many people traveling for the holidays, animal shelters may be short staffed. Find your local shelter and volunteer to help out in any way they need.
–Give with your time. Spend time with your family and friends. Time is priceless. Whether you have a limited budget or all the money in world, the most important thing to your family, especially your children, is your time with them. It really is the best gift you could give.
Do you have any other great ideas on how to give thanks and give back this holiday season? Leave us a comment and share your ideas!