How to Give on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time of celebration. It is a time to celebrate the gifts the land gives us of great food throughout the year. It is a time to celebrate the company of friends and family. To say thanks, there are ways to give back in appreciation for all that was given to you. Read about ways you can express your gratitude on Thanksgiving. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Donate canned goods to the local food drive. Most towns have a food drive for Thanksgiving. Canned goods are collected and given to needy families. Many offices, churches, temples and schools sponsor food drives, too. Check your local newspaper for any leads or search online under your city and add "food drive."
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Donate your time. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or some charitable organization that is having a Thanksgiving dinner for those in need. Help serve the meal or help prepare it. You might also choose to help a sick neighbor or walk a friend's dog who is away. There are manyways to volunteer informally near your home.
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Make a cash contribution to a local organization that will help families on Thanksgiving. The organization may give the family cash, or purchase turkeys and other menu items so they can have a nice Thanksgiving dinner. If you a great passion for a certain charity, take up the cause at work and ask co-workers to donate a small amount so that you are raising even more funds for the charity.
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Serve a meal to family and friends. Giving doesn't have to be just people in need. Anyone who has ever prepared a Thanksgiving meal will appreciate the effort involved in making such a feast. You'll spend hours shopping for food, preparing the turkey, and serving the guests.
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Spend time with your family and friends. Time is priceless. If you have a limited budget, give of your time. Visit family members who don't get out much anymore, or share time with a favorite relative. Your presence and time is of value on which a monetary value cannot be placed.
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Find a way to thank someone for something they did for you during the year. Send a card, visit, or do something nice for that person.
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Do something to help the environment. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate what nature has offered us, so give back to it. Plant a tree or start a recycling project, for example.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that giving doesn't just have to be in the form of money. You can donate your time and it will mean just as much.
If your town doesn't have a local food drive, help start one!
Resources
- Photo Credit Christi Bowers, 2005
