Giving Thanks by Giving Back

It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.
-Mother Teresa

The best way to experience gratitude is to give the gift of gratitude. As we gather together with loved ones this season, why not lend a hand, and give someone else a reason to be thankful? Whether it’s a charitable donation, volunteer work, or just buying the car behind you a cup of coffee, there are big rewards in even the smallest deeds. While you plan your Thanksgiving feast with family and friends, consider these ideas to brighten someone’s day or perhaps change their life.

Extend an invitation to your Thanksgiving table. If you know someone spending the holiday alone, or maybe a single parent with children, bake an extra pumpkin pie and welcome them into your home. If you’re someone that normally spends the holidays solo, what better way to make new friends, and memories than to create a family atmosphere for your guest. Food is the common denominator for most of us and is such an organic way to connect with others.

Coordinate a food drive. Get neighbors, and friends on board to donate grocery items to a local food bank. It can be difficult for low-income families to afford a holiday meal, and donations like these help to warm and nourish those who might otherwise go hungry. Encourage everyone to buy a few extra groceries to contribute when they do their normal shopping and check with your food bank to find out which items they’re most in need of.

Thank our troops. Operation Gratitude is a volunteer-driven organization that sends letters, and care packages to our servicemen, and women. For these heroes spending the holidays apart from loved ones, a handwritten thank you card or surprise package is a heartfelt way to show appreciation and provides them with the comforts of home. Operation Gratitude gives the option to donate or sign up as a volunteer to help send messages of good cheer to troops, first responders, and veterans.

Practice the art of paying it forward. In a hectic fast-paced world, random acts of kindness can change the course of someone’s day. Buy an extra sandwich on your lunch break for a friend or homeless individual, offer to cover the tab for the person behind you in line, or leave a generous tip with a note for your server. Not only are you encouraging others to follow suit, but acting without expectation is a selfless way to show compassion.

“Home.” Operation Gratitude, www.operationgratitude.com/.