Thanksgiving is a time to spend with friends and family around the kitchen table, enjoying good food and good times. But not everyone is as fortunate, and while it’s great to reflect on the things and people we’re thankful for this upcoming holiday, we also want to focus more on how to help other people who may not have enough money for a Thanksgiving dinner or may not have any family to spend it with. There’s a lot we can do to make the Thanksgiving holiday better for all of us.
1. Cook Thanksgiving Dinner for Another Family
Check with local organizations, churches, and shelters to find out if there are any local families that could benefit from a hot Thanksgiving meal. If so, get your friends and family involved to help cook a hearty Thanksgiving meal and deliver it to them. You can even partner with another family or two to create multiple Thanksgiving dinners and distribute them to local individuals and families.
2. Invite an Elderly Neighbor to Spend Thanksgiving With You
One of the most simple things you can do during Thanksgiving is to reach out to neighbors that don’t have any friends and family members to spend holidays with. Pop over and invite them to your home to celebrate. It’s a great way to meet new people and really brighten up someone’s day in the process.
3. Spend the Holidays at a Nursing Home
Oftentimes, people in nursing homes and elderly care facilities don’t have family nearby that can visit them at their care facility. This also goes for holidays, which can be incredibly lonely – even when there are caretakers and other residents around. Check with local nursing homes and long-term care facilities in your neighborhood and city to find out what types of events they may be hosting for residents. Even something as simple as spending time speaking with their residents is great, or you could offer to cook a Thanksgiving meal or even host your own Thanksgiving party for them.
4. Bring Food to Families in ICU
If families are spending time with loved ones in the intensive care units of hospitals, the last thing they’re thinking about is food and holiday prep. Coordinate with your local hospital or children’s hospital to provide home cooked meals to families that are stuck in hospitals this Thanksgiving. Not only will it provide a good meal for them, but it’s can be a comforting tradition that will bring a little more joy during a difficult time.
Do you have any Thanksgiving volunteer traditions in your family? How do you plan on helping people less fortunate this holiday season? Share with us in the comments!
