Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the gifts that saturate our lives: family, friends, health.  But not all are so fortunate.  Many in our city are facing daily struggles that we may not understand.  So while Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate our many blessings, it is also a day to bless others.  What greater way to honor Thanksgiving than providing to others what they cannot provide for themselves?  Whether it is food, money, or just your time, there is always a way to give back.  I’ve gathered a list of some great ways to help out this season.

1. The Epworth Foundation has been a part of the Denver community since 2005.  Volunteers work hard the weekend before Thanksgiving putting together baskets of food for those in need.  For $30 you can provide a basket with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, mac & cheese, cake mix, jiffy mix and cranberries; enough for a family of 8.  They are in need of hundreds of volunteers to assemble these baskets, so giving your time is also an option.

2. Give the gift of a holiday meal to Denver families who will otherwise go without, with Food for Hope.  Help them pack 1,600 boxes full of everything needed for a Thanksgiving dinner, for families of 4-6 people, in Adams County.  Each box includes a turkey!  These boxes will be distributed throughout the schools in Adams county, as well as a local apartment complex that serves families emerging from homelessness.   

By the numbers:

-243 volunteers signed up to help

-20,000 lbs. of food ordered

-1,500 boxes of food to be packed and distributed

-260 boxes sponsored, 1,240 more to go

3. The Denver Rescue Mission needs 15,000 turkeys by November 22nd!  Check out their full list of needed food items and drop off to one of their 4 locations.  Or visit their website to donate online.

4. Ask your child’s school principal if he/she knows of a child in need.  Often times our most impacted are our neighbors and our children’s table partners.

If it’s pulling on your heart to make a difference this holiday season, these are all great places to start!  You are needed, so help spread love and kindness this holiday season! Let’s make Denver a great place for everyone.