Thanksgiving is a time when everyone comes together to celebrate what they are thankful for and to enjoy time with their friends and family. This year, start thinking about how you can give back to not only your friends and family but also to those who are less fortunate than yourself and those who don't have the opportunity to spend this holiday with their loved ones. Here are some ideas on how you can put a smile on someone else's face and even make the holiday a little bit more enjoyable for them:
1. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or local shelter.
Use the homeless shelter directory to find local shelters and soup kitchens where you can volunteer. This would be a great way to spend your Thanksgiving morning or afternoon. Bring your family along with you for extra helping hands!
2. Donate to animal shelters.
If you have a furry friend at home who has outgrown blankets or toys, consider donating those items to your local animal shelter. Even if you don't have a pet, go out and spend some money on treats, food and other necessities to give back to the animals who won't be with a loving family during the holidays.
3. Donate to food banks.
Locate your local food bank and find out what items they are accepting for donations this holiday season. The cans of soup that sit at the back of your pantry will have a much better purpose by being donated!
4. Help support our troops and their families.
Find out different ways you can help out our troops and their families during the holidays. There are options to help place flags at gravesites, foster a pet, write letters and so much more that would be greatly appreciated especially around the holidays when some soldiers don't have the chance to get to be with their friends and families.
5. Create care packages for the homeless.
Put together a package containing trail mix, water bottles, warm socks and anything else you think might be helpful to someone living on the streets. Take your family or friends out with you to help distribute these packages to any homeless man or woman you see on the streets.
6. Donate blood.
By donating your blood just once, you can help save more than one life. Find out if you're eligible to donate and then find your local blood drive!
7. Visit a nursing home.
Visit your local nursing home and see if there are any volunteer opportunities. Find out if you can accompany an elderly man or woman for a walk, read with them or simply sit and share stories. Some people in nursing homes don't have a family to come and visit them, so having any sort of company would really help brighten his or her day!
8. Get active.
Find a charity that is putting together a run to raise awareness and money in your area. You can help a great cause while getting fit at the same time!
9. Volunteer at a children's hospital.
Check with your local children's hospital to see what their volunteer options are. You can help out by donating art supplies, toys and so much more!
10. Invite someone over.
If you know someone who has nowhere to go for Thanksgiving, invite him or her over to spend the day with you and your family. This simple task will help bring a smile to someone's face and fill their stomachs with Thanksgiving dinner!
