8 Ways To Volunteer Your Time, Money, And Efforts This Thanksgiving
Giving back year-round is important, but many feel especially called to do so during the holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving. In the spirit of giving, we've rounded up some organizations that need your support around the holidays, advice for how to find volunteer opportunities in your area, and other ways you can help out this Thanksgiving.
Of course, things might still be a little different this year due to ongoing restrictions from COVID-19. Do a little extra research to make sure individual organization locations are operating normally near you. (Looking for other charities you can donate to? Find some of the best ones here.)
Work with Meals on Wheels.
This established organization brings nutritious meals to seniors who are at risk for hunger throughout the year, but they ramp up efforts around the holidays. You can find volunteer opportunities near you here.
Offer to go grocery shopping.
People in vulnerable populations might need your help to get groceries safely this holiday, especially given the difficulties of COVID-19. Different states have organizations that offer this service, like Friendly Shoppers in Connecticut and Shopping Assistance in NYC, so do some research. If you do help out, make sure you're being particularly careful in regards to COVID-19 precautions both during and after your shifts.
Volunteer at or donate to a food bank.
Many local food banks see an influx of volunteers around the holidays, which can actually overwhelm them. Be sure to ask specifically what they need when you're inquiring about volunteering. Maybe it's just some donated supplies. Maybe it's your time, but at a later date. Or maybe they could really use your time around the holidays. They will tell you what they need. Find a food bank near you here.
Help out at a soup kitchen.
Again, soup kitchens might be a bit overwhelmed with volunteers around this time of year, but if they are holding any specific holidays meals, they might have room for more help. Give them a call and see when they need you and what they need from you. You can find a soup kitchen near you here.
Find or start a clothing drive.
Thanksgiving marks a time when the weather gets cold and dangerous in many parts of the U.S. That's why it's so important to ensure those experiencing poverty or homelessness have warm clothing. Keep your eyes out for clothing drives near you, or contact local organizations to see if you can help start one.
Adopt a family.
Charities like Families First allow you the ability to provide needs for one particular family (or a few!) during the holiday season. Volunteers from all over have the opportunity to fulfill the wishlists of the family of their choice and can also volunteer in other ways both during the holiday season and year-round. Sign-ups for the charity's 2021 Adopt-A-Family program began on October 18.
Make a monetary donation.
As previously noted, many organizations are overwhelmed with in-person volunteers during the holidays. If you can't commit your time at the moment, a donation to a worthy cause can go a long way. You can find some charities specifically focused on fighting hunger here.
Keep an eye out in your own community.
The best way to find out the needs of your community is by listening. So much of charity work happens at a local level, so looking around your town or neighborhood will be your best bet for finding the causes that have the most impact. Keep an eye out on bulletin boards and social media sites, and ask community leaders where the areas of greatest need are. People do the work year-round, and the best thing you can do is amplify their voices and get involved where you can.
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