Thanksgiving is coming up in less than a week.  I hope that you are planning some quality time with family and friends.

Personally, I have much to give thanks for: a great family, a roof over my head, a job, and the fact that I wasn’t born a Turkey.  With my newly minted in-laws being Italian, I am also quite appreciative of the spread of deliciousness that awaits on Thursday.

In light of the Holiday, I wanted to mention a few things you could do to make it a great day for the less fortunate.  While many of us are eating ourselves silly and watching football (Go Giants!) there are those who could certainly use food, shelter, kindness, or just a helping hand to guide them in a time of need.  Here are a few ideas, but certainly don’t feel limited to this list:

Serve at a Soup Kitchen

If you want to see what Thanksgiving is all about, go see the smiling faces being served at your local soup kitchen on Thursday morning.  Just think of how good that meal tastes when someone spends most of his or her days hungry and begging for food.  Before you head to the family gathering and gorge yourself, spend a few hours serving up happiness by the plateful.  For those in Birmingham, Community Kitchens is looking for volunteers on Thursday and Saturday.  Atlanta peeps, check out the efforts of Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless going on next week.

Donate Your Clothes

As winter is quickly approaching, the need for cold-weather clothing is growing at your local homeless shelters.  While you are rearranging your closet in the coming weeks, keep an eye out for stuff that you no longer wear.  Set a few things aside for someone who would really appreciate it.  The same goes for blankets, caps, and gloves.  With a growing homeless population, these items are currently in very high demand.  Birmingham Residents: the Firehouse Shelter (1501 3rd Ave N) will gladly accept your donations.

Send a Care Package to a Soldier

While you and I are with our families, there are plenty of folks spending the holiday in hostile territory; thousands of miles from home.  Take a few minutes to let a soldier know you appreciate their service to our Country.  If you do not already know someone to send a care package to, then check out AnySoldier.com for recommendations and guidelines.

Visit the Elderly

We all know someone in our family, neighborhood, or church that is unable to get out of their house and be independent.  Next Thursday, try to set aside a few minutes to visit one of these individuals.  Drop off a warm meal, offer to drive them somewhere, or help with household chores.

Food Drive

One of the easiest ways to contribute this Thanksgiving is to drop off non-perishable items for your local food bank.  Many grocery stores have made this even simpler by assembling pre-made packages for you to purchase at check out.  While you are at the store preparing for your Thanksgiving meal, pick up a few extra cans to give away.  The cost is minimal.  If there is not already a canned food drive in your area, consider heading up one at work, school, or in the neighborhood.

Toys

One last thing: It is hard to think about Thanksgiving without considering the shopping insanity that starts before sunup the next morning.  If you decide to subject yourself to the melee of Black Friday, use your deal finding skills to snatch a toy or two for a less fortunate child.  With so many people out of work, there are going to be a lot of tough Christmases this year. If you have the means to help, then your efforts will be greatly appreciated.

All the best to you and yours!

Matt

matt@dogoodedness.com