The Holiday season is a time give back. People typically think of giving back as giving some amount of money, but this holiday season lets be generous with our time and the talents we have been given. If you are searching for places to volunteer on Thanksgiving, here are a few organizations that are in need of some extra helping hands.
Meals On Wheels America
Do you have a heart for the older generation and love to drive? Meals on Wheels America has a mission to “empower local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated.” Following the virus that took over the world, many people were left without community, and many were left hungry. Meals on Wheels provides food and an ear to our nations seniors. This would be a great option to volunteer on Thanksgiving. If this is a place you can see yourself helping out this Thanksgiving, visit the Meals on Wheels website to sign up.
Feeding America
This time of year is hard for many families, for many different reasons. One big problem most of us have probably noticed is the hunger that many people in our communities experience. Volunteering with Feeding America is a great way to provide meals for those who cannot afford them. Feeding America’s vision is to see an America “where no one is hungry.” As Christ followers this should also be our vision and our mission. This Thanksgiving, if you are feeling that tug to love on and feed those without the means, visit Feeding America’s website to donate or find a place near you to volunteer for Thanksgiving.
Salvation Army Food Pantry and Hot Meals
The Salvation Army is an organization that most people are familiar with. By volunteering with The Salvation Army, you can help them in providing one of fifty-six million meals that they provide annually. Serve at a food pantry or help by serving hot meals for individuals who do not have access to a food distribution center. The Salvation Army is a great option for your Thanksgiving volunteering.
A Million Thanks
My dad is a retired Navy SEAL, so this organization is close to my heart. “A Million Thanks provides support and appreciation to our active and veteran military men and women through sending letters.” If you know someone who is in the military, you know how much a letter can mean to those fighting overseas. Writing a letter to thank and encourage our countries protectors is a great way to give back. If writing is your gift or you want to thank someone serving in our nation’s military, head over to A Million Thanks website to get started!
Humane Society
Do you love our four-legged companions but can’t afford or are unable to adopt one into your home? Try volunteering at your nearest Humane Society walking dogs and playing fetch. Or maybe you are a cat person and prefer cuddling these furry friends. By volunteering at the Humane Society, you could make these pets feel at home before they even have one. Head over to their website to find a shelter close to you!
Adopt a Family
It can be hard to take the focus off ourselves during this time of year but if you are looking to serve and honor a family near you, Adopt a Family is the perfect option for you. By adopting a family, you can provide money for parents to buy groceries for their household. This organization also allows them to buy gifts for their children. This type of poverty is more common since the pandemic and providing gifts and groceries for a family in need is a great way to give back during this season. Visit your local YMCA or church that is participating to figure out how to give or volunteer on Thanksgiving.
Other Opportunities
Finally, there are tons of options for those of you looking for something smaller and more local. Try checking out the website for your local newspaper. A great way to find places to volunteer your time is Volunteer Match. The website can help you can find organizations that serve seniors, women, our countries homeless population and more.
No Matter where you decide to volunteer this holiday season, would the Lord bless you for helping those in need. Volunteering on Thanksgiving is a great way to honor our neighbors and love those around us. Be encouraged by these words of Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel, “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” (Matthew 25:40, NLT).
