Volunteering DuringThanksgiving Season

Ryan Hemphill

Food Drive

Holding a food drive is one of the best ways to help those in need. One of the easiest ways to get started is to get your coworkers involved. First, do some research and find a local food bank in your area. Then let yourcoworkers know that you’re collecting cans and other nonperishable items. If you work in a large organization, you can set up multiple collection boxesthroughout the area. You can even make it a competition by splitting up different departments intoteams. The team that donates the most cans wins a gift card or catered lunch.

Volunteer AtA Homeless Shelter

November is a great time to volunteer if you haven’t volunteered recently.While many individuals and families think it’s a good idea to volunteer at localshelters on the day of Thanksgiving, the truth is that Thanksgiving is one of themost popular days to volunteer. Instead, it’s more helpful if you volunteer on a random day in November whenshelters are shorthanded.

Deliver A Meal

Meals On Wheels’ current campaign is called “America, Let’s Do Lunch.” The organization asks that people donate their lunch hour and deliver a meal toa senior in need. Many seniors can no longer cook or shop for themselves. Additionally, some seniors don’t have frequent visitors, so in addition todelivering food, you can also deliver your smile and friendship.

Visit An AssistedLiving Center

If there is an assisted living center in your area, you should considervolunteering sometime during November. Many centers encourage volunteers to assist with different programs such asmusic class, painting class, or game night. Spending time with friends during the holiday season is just as important aseating a healthy meal. By volunteering at an assisted living center, you’ll ensure that the residents havefun and enjoy themselves this Thanksgiving season.

Other Ideas

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what you’re thankful for and help otherswho are less fortunate. One of the easiest ways to help others is to look around your house and see ifthere is anything you want to donate, like extra clothes or kitchen supplies. Also, humans aren’t the only ones who need help this season. If you’re ananimal lover you should volunteer at an animal shelter or foster a kitten/puppyfor a couple of weeks. Whatever you do this season, hopefully you enjoy yourself so much that youwant to volunteer more often and not just during the Thanksgiving season.