Showing gratitude and giving back this holiday season can come in so many forms, from giving a warm hug to a friend to going grocery shopping for someone in need. Food drives, Turkey Trots, donation sites, clothing drives, and various non-profits provide a wide range of opportunities to give back as well.
Not only do others benefit when you give back, but your health benefits as well. According to the Cleveland Clinic, giving back can help decrease high blood pressure, stress, and depression — all while increasing self-esteem and greater happiness and satisfaction overall.
Giving back doesn’t have to involve spending lots of money or time. There are a wide range of opportunities available for those who have limited time and resources to commit but still want to do something to give back this season. Best of all, with so many individuals being vaccinated against COVID-19, many volunteer opportunities now have in-person options again.
While many of the opportunities discussed in this article are in-person, we also provide virtual options for those who are more comfortable participating that way. Here are some organizations in need of support this season:
1. Donate or Volunteer with Operation Turkey
For many, Thanksgiving is a great time to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family and eat countless courses of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone, especially those who are elderly, homeless, serving in the military, or living below the poverty line.
Operation Turkey is an organization comprised of over 30,000 volunteers throughout the U.S. dedicated to ensuring everyone receives a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day. Each year, volunteers come together from 8 am to 12 pm on Thanksgiving Day to prepare, package, and deliver meals to those in need. Although Operation Turkey is only currently located in a few states in the U.S., anyone can participate in their great cause by donating. They provided more than 33,000 meals to those in need in 2020, and their goal is to deliver 45,000 meals in 2021.
2. Participate in Meals on Wheels
With more than 5,000 independently-run local programs, Meals on Wheels is available in nearly every community throughout the U.S. The organization is dedicated to providing senior citizens with fresh meals. For those who want to give back this year but are short on time, Meals on Wheels’ delivery process is fast enough to be completed over a lunch break. Search for Meals on Wheels locations in your area by entering your zip code.
3. Volunteer to Go Grocery Shopping
While many are far more comfortable grocery shopping in person now that they’re vaccinated, some individuals are immunocompromised, elderly, and homebound for health reasons and are unable to go grocery shopping. This is especially the case during the holiday season when grocery stores are more crowded than usual. Many who are at risk rely on grocery delivery services, but the cost of those services can add up quickly.
Shopping Angels is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free grocery shopping delivery to seniors, those who are disabled, and patients who are undergoing healthcare recovery. If you prefer to send groceries to those in need digitally rather than shopping in person, Feeding America offers a network of 200 food banks through their Gift Catalog. Those interested in donating can select items such as fruits, vegetables, chicken, and dried goods along with a dollar amount and groceries will be delivered across the country.
4. Participate in a Turkey Trot
A Turkey Trot is not just a great way to get in a workout during the holiday weekend — it’s also a fantastic opportunity to give back to a local charity. Turkey Trots often include great food, music, and other fun festivities, and the proceeds from the event are often dedicated to providing meals and support to those in need. If you are located in the Chicago area, Turkey Trot Chicago is dedicated to supporting the Greater Chicago Food Depository and features pre- and post-race activities such as football, corn hole, warm apple cider, and more. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends and give back to a fantastic cause dedicated to providing meals to those in need.
Some YMCAs and other local organizations are organizing virtual Turkey Trots this year for those who don’t feel comfortable or are unable to participate in person. Research virtual options in your area to find ways you can join.
5. Adopt a Family
Organizations such as Families First offer the opportunity to donate to a specific family rather than a general organization or cause. Donors can read the families’ stories and make their selections from there. Family-to-Family is another great organization that offers donors the opportunity to donate to hungry families, hungry vets, Holocaust survivors, and refugee families. Family-to-Family has the option to set up recurring monthly donations totaling $36.50 which will provide a family with groceries to get them through the month. Donors can exchange letters and emails with the families they help and can send personal care items that can’t be purchased with food stamps such as shampoo and toothpaste.
6. Go Through Your Pantry and Donate Extra Items
It is so easy to overestimate the amount of food that is needed when grocery shopping around the holidays. If you have extra non-perishable items in your pantry, consider donating them to a local food bank. Some of the items that food banks need most include peanut butter, canned soups, canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned beans, pasta, and rice.
Our Commitment
Draper and Kramer is committed to supporting the communities we serve. Read more about our history of community involvement and giving, as well as our ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Showing gratitude and giving back this holiday season can come in so many forms, from giving a warm hug to a friend to going grocery shopping for someone in need. Food drives, Turkey Trots, donation sites, clothing drives, and various non-profits provide a wide range of opportunities to give back as well.
