Family giving back on Thanksgiving day

6 Ways to Give Back This Thanksgiving

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Many families and communities will come together on November 24 to be thankful and celebrate the blessings they’ve been given. But during this time of year, there are also people and families in need.

This year, make a pledge to serve those who are less fortunate this season. Whether it’s giving them a meal or making them feel like part of the family, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to give back.

Here are 6 ways to give back this Thanksgiving

Do a Turkey Trot

A Thanksgiving tradition, Turkey Trots take place all over the nation. Celebrities, families, and communities come together to run, walk, or take their time through a race, with proceeds going to charity. There are many Turkey Trots taking place in Colorado, including the 43rd annual Mile High United Way Turkey Trot. Taking place in Washington Park in Denver, this Turkey Trot’s proceeds go toward education for children and high school students. A lot of other cities host Turkey Trots as well. If you don’t live in Colorado, check to see if your city is hosting anything like this.

Host those without Thanksgiving plans

Whether your whole family is in town or you’ll be on your own for Thanksgiving, a surprising amount of people don’t have holiday plans. Reach out to friends or community members, and invite them to spend time together over a meal.

Volunteer at a homeless shelter

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest days of the year at homeless shelters. This year, sign up to serve a meal and bless someone in need. In Denver alone, there are several homeless shelters looking for volunteers. All you have to do is sign up, show up, and serve a meal that won’t be forgotten. The Denver Rescue Mission is a great resource to find out information about volunteering.

Make a meal for a family in need

There are many less fortunate families in our communities that can’t afford a Thanksgiving meal. Or, they might have circumstances, such as a new baby or an injury, that will keep them from being able to serve a meal for their family. Thanksgiving is a great time of year to make someone’s holiday special. If you don’t know of a family in need, ask someone in your church, at work, or at a local school.

Donate to a food bank

If you don’t know of a family in need of a Thanksgiving meal, donate to a food bank. Food banks all over the nation are seeking donations in order to keep their shelves stocked for hungry families. Research local food banks in your area, see what kind of food they’re in need of, and go on a grocery store shopping spree in their honor. Take the whole family to help, and inspire them to give back this holiday season

Buy someone coffee

An easy way to pay it forward this Thanksgiving is to buy coffee for someone. While in line at a coffee drive-thru, pay for the order behind you. This oftentimes turns into a chain reaction, where strangers are buying the next person in line’s coffee. You will not only bless the person behind you, but you might inspire everyone while heading to work in the morning.

Happy Thanksgiving from Colorado Christian University!

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