How to Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen on Thanksgiving

Soup kitchens provide a hot meal for people who need it. You can help this Thanksgiving by volunteering your time to serve the holiday dinner.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tables
• Cars
• Area Maps
• Chairs
• Computers
• Phone Books
• Internet Access

1. Find out which soup kitchens are located in your area. Do a search online, look in the phone book, call information or ask your city or town clerk.
2. Contact a local soup kitchen and tell them you'd like to help.
3. Organize a group of people from your church, synagogue or local organization who are willing to volunteer on Thanksgiving.
4. Understand that the soup kitchen needs lots of help in other areas besides food service. Offer to pick up donations, do an inventory on them and store them away. You might also set up tables, prepare the food and help clean up after the meal is through.
5. Include your children in your efforts. This is a great way to teach them the importance of community service.
6. Consider making this a tradition in your family every year. Counting your blessings and helping people in need is a great way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that soup kitchens need help all year. If you enjoyed the experience, try to go back again soon.
• Check out other volunteer opportunities in your community by doing an online search. Meals-on-wheels programs and shelters also rely heavily on volunteers.