Thanksgiving is a magical time of the year. We gather with our loved ones around tables laden with delectable treats including turkey and stuffing. It’s also the perfect time to spread joy and make a difference. Here are 10 thoughtful ways to celebrate the giving season while positively impacting those around you. 

 

Support a Local Food Bank

Food banks are often overwhelmed during the holiday season. Donating to a food bank helps ease this pressure while ensuring vulnerable families have access to nutritious meals. Food banks accept cash donations or non-perishable food items such as canned or dry cereals. Every dollar counts so there’s no limit to how much you can donate.

Sponsor A Family

Few charitable actions can hold a candle to adopting a family during the holiday season. Besides treating them to hearty and delicious meals, you’re giving them hope. Wondering how to find such a family? Contact your local charities and they can connect you with a family that can benefit from your generosity. You can ignite hope and joy by finding the family’s favorite treats or needs and catering to them.

Share A Meal With Neighbors

When was the last time you broke bread with your neighbors? Why not invite them over for dinner? Sharing a meal with your neighbors helps foster community spirit. Having a cookout and sharing stories can break down barriers and build lifelong relationships.

Give To A Local Charity

There are probably a ton of organizations in your community needing support. It could be an animal shelter, a rescue center, or a youth program. Look for a cause that resonates with you and donate. You may send them a check or volunteer your time—there are no hard or fast rules. They’ll welcome your contribution with open arms as you’ll be helping to uplift those in need.

Clean A Community Area

There isn’t much to this idea. Grab a pair of gloves and a trash bag and hit the streets. You can clean up the beach, the local park, or the neighborhood. If you’re up for it, round up your family and friends and make it a group effort. Plus, you never know, your efforts may set a positive example and inspire others to follow suit. It’s a bona fide way to show that you love your neighborhood and a great way to get in your steps.

Visit A Retirement Home

You can bring cheer and joy by visiting seniors in your local retirement home. Seniors feel especially lonely during the holidays. An afternoon spent chatting with them (and listening to their war stories) can brighten their day. Sharing a meal or playing games with them will make them feel loved and appreciated.

Volunteer At A Soup Kitchen

Soup kitchens are usually bustling during Thanksgiving. The holidays are especially hard on people grappling with poverty or homelessness. Soup kitchens help bridge the gap by offering them a warm meal. Volunteering at a soup kitchen—in food prep or serving—can prove a humbling yet rewarding experience.

Send Care Packages To Troops

Deployed soldiers often spend the holidays away from their families. You can show your love and support by sending care packages to them. A simple care package—filled with toiletries, snacks, and handwritten notes can help bridge the gap between home and duty. This simple gesture can help our troops feel loved and appreciated.

Donate Your Vehicle

Have an old but reliable car that’s a tad too jaded for your style? Don’t junk it just yet. Consider donating it to a local charity. An additional vehicle can help ease their logistics when serving those in need. Some charities also turn such cars into cash to support their programs. While a big step, donating a car creates a win-win. You get to declutter while helping those in need. Plus, the donation is tax-deductible.

Participate In A Fundraiser

Unlike in the movies, not all fundraisers call for a tux. You can support a cause you care about by participating in a walk, bake sale, run, or charity auction. It’s an excellent way to connect with like-minded people and strengthen your community ties. Nothing beats having fun for a great cause.

Transform your compassion into action this giving season. Each action creates a ripple effect of kindness that makes this holiday season truly special for people in need.

Need help securing an affordable mortgage during the Thanksgiving season. You can count on Tidewater Mortgage Services to provide the best mortgage terms. Contact us today!