Thanksgiving: What Does it Mean To You?
Sometimes throughout the year we stop feeling appreciative for the things that we have. As we near the end of the year it is important to start reflecting on our lives. What do we have to feel appreciative about? What are we hoping for? And what are we thankful for? Many times, we forget all we have to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is a great time to start giving thanks for the things we do have and start start helping those that are less fortunate than ourselves. Odd Moe’s Pizza is a huge supporter in giving back to our communities. This time of year there are many ways that we can help our communities!
Volunteer
Many communities around the United States hold Thanksgiving meals for homeless or less fortunate families. Volunteering to be part of one is a great way to give back to the community and feel good. There are programs that all you to sponsor a meal for a family, you can donate food or money to help get a family in need their Thanksgiving meal. Although this is a great time to volunteer, we want to encourage everyone to volunteer all year long.
If you can’t afford to buy an extra meal, there are also programs that you can deliver uncooked or cooked meals to families or elderly people. If you have a way to transport items then this is something that you can consider helping with. Doing deliveries is an easy way to give back.
Look into what your local homeless shelters have planned. If there is nothing in your area then maybe you can talk to other community members about a way to help fill this need in your community. If you are having any trouble finding somewhere to volunteer you can check out homelessshelterdirectory.org for more information.
Getting Active
If volunteering isn’t your thing then there are other ways you can help. In recent years, some people do marathons or runs on Thanksgiving for a good cause. For example Keizer is having their 8th Annual Chamber Turkey Dash. All of the Proceeds go to McNary CMP which is a music program for children in 6th to 12th grade. The Oregon Mid-Valley Road Race is set to kick off on Thanksgiving morning in Albany to help raise money for healthcare in the Mid-Willamette. You can also look into Virtual Races, these are races that you can complete from anywhere and you are and still help raise money.
Tradition
What does your Thanksgiving tradition look like? Do you usually spend time with family or friends? Maybe you generally spend it alone. With more and more people moving away from relatives and other loved ones due to the rising cost of living maybe you aren’t sure how you will spend it. There are and increasing number of people who are holding “Friendsgiving” parties and inviting friends and acquaintances to join them on this holiday. Some tight knit communities have community Thanksgiving potlucks. This seems like a great way to make new friends and bring your community closer together. Remember, even if there is nothing planned for your community, it’s not too late for you to start organizing something! It’s never too late to try something new and start your own tradition!
Remember, Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for the things we have and giving to those less fortunate than ourselves. This year, let’s build a longer table rather than a higher fence and give back to our community. Plus, If you don’t feel like cooking on Thanksgiving you can always order out!
Recent Comments