Giving thanks and giving back
Oh how I love this time of year. There is a undeniable chill in the air, the twinkle lights are starting to pop up everywhere and even though Thanksgiving is still a week away, the countdown to Christmas has begun (35 days!!) With such a long and joyous holiday season ahead of us, it's so hard to not get caught up in the glitz and glam of it all. And while it's the most 'wonderful time of the year' for many, there are millions of Americans who will tell a different story. Did you know 2.6 million New Yorkers cannot afford Thanksgiving Dinner? That statistic alone sent shivers down my spine. This holiday season, let's take time out from our pretty tables-capes and festive decor to remember the real purpose of Thanksgiving. Let's give back to those who need it most. Here's how : Feeding NYC If you are in the NYC area, Feeding NYC is a fantastic organization founded in 2001 which provides Thanksgiving meals to over 4,000 NYC families every year. Get involved by volunteering your time or simply donating; $35 buys a complete turkey dinner for one family.
Local Food Pantry Contact your local food pantry, food bank or soup kitchen and offer donations or volunteer your time there. Every year, these organizations rely on people like you to help the people of their communities. Besides basic necessities, gift cards to local grocery stores are always a fantastic way to give back. Click here to find your local food bank or here for local food pantry.
Family-to-Family This amazing organization will connect you to a family that is struggling to put food on the table. The best part is this relationship will last way beyond the holiday season. Once a month you will be asked to shop and send a bag of groceries or make a donation to allow the organization to do so on your behalf.
Meals on Wheels Meals on Wheels provides hot meals to over 1 million seniors a day! Even more astounding, they have nearly 2 million volunteers. Locate a local program and get involved or donate today.
Blue Apron One of our favorite at home meal/ingredient delivery services has now partnered with City Harvest to provide more than 35,000 meals to families in need!