Thanksgiving is right around the corner and traditionally that means family and friends gathering and having a Thanksgiving feast.
While the Thanksgiving food is delicious, it is important to focus on our past, present and future and give thanks. Thanksgiving should be a day to slow down, enjoy the company of loved ones and reflect on how fortunate you are.
What about those who are less fortunate and are not able to celebrate Thanksgiving the way we do? Helping make a memorable and enjoyable holiday for others through donations or volunteering can create a meaningful Thanksgiving for you and your family.
Here are some ways you may be able to help:
Food donations: You can collect food from home or purchase food at the grocery store and drop it off at your local food bank/food drive, Fire Department, or participating grocery stores. Some grocery stores may even have pre-packaged bags of food for sale that you can purchase and they donate it for you.
While any donations are accepted and very much appreciated, here is a list of the top needed items:
- Canned fish
- Canned fruit
- Canned Pasta Sauce
- Boxed cereal
- Peanut butter
- Beans in sauce
Volunteer: if you prefer a more hands on approach, there are different ways to volunteer your time and services to help those in need. Here are a few ways you can volunteer:
- Help out at a food drive/food bank
- Host a food drive
- Help out at a Soup Kitchen (or another location/organization serving food to people in need.)
- Other programs your community may also participate in.
Monetary donations: if you find you do not have the time and are unable to donate food but want to help in some way, you can always make a monetary donation online.
Thanksgiving isn’t the only time of year to help, you can volunteer any time, all year round!
If you are interested in helping and want to know where or how, check out these links for more information:
https://www.foodbankscanada.ca/Home.aspx
https://www.dailybread.ca/
https://www.oafb.ca/