Let’s delve into the importance of giving back during Thanksgiving and how you can play a role.
As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches, it is an important time to understand why it’s beneficial to give back to the community and how to do it. Now is the time when many Americans reflect on what they are thankful for and show gratitude for all of the positive aspects of their lives. It is also a reminder to spread kindness to both those in need and those not in need.
Look at what’s around
Some organizations in the community are arranging events that help those in need of assistance during this season of giving thanks. For example, the Meadowlands Chamber is continuing their annual Basket Brigade program in 2022. The Chamber started the program in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy devastated many towns in the Meadowlands area.
“We distribute to about 30 different towns across Hudson, Bergen and Passaic counties,” says Michael Knauss, the Meadowlands Chamber’s Membership Experience Team Leader. “The idea is to give those who are less fortunate a full thanksgiving meal and remind them to pay it forward when they are back on their feet.”
After making a pivot to donating money during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the Chamber is finally returning to donating full meals to those in need. Some of the receivers of these generous donations include but are not limited to women in domestic violence shelters, orphans, children with cancer and impoverished families.
Volunteering, donating and giving back can be personally rewarding as you are doing a good deed for those who are less fortunate. Giving back can also help you become more educated on issues like food insecurity, allowing you to grow a passion for lending your helping hand.
When speaking about why he feels it is important to have this event, Michael Knauss said, “It’s my personal opinion that nobody in the greatest country on Earth should go to bed hungry. We’re too good of a country for that, so, if I ever have the opportunity to step up and make a difference, I’m more than happy to do it.”
By giving back, you are making a generous contribution to ensuring that someone in need can have something to look forward to, especially during Thanksgiving and the holiday season.
You can play a part in giving back
Giving back is doesn’t gift you anything of monetary value, but instead instills in you the passion of making life a little easier for those in need.
It is important for individuals, businesses, and organizations to volunteer and help in any way they can. Helping people during this period of giving thanks allows you to pay it forward and help those less fortunate. If you don’t have the time or the resources to commit to events, there are other ways to spread kindness. Things as simple as going into your closet and finding old blankets or clothes can help someone in need stay warm and comfortable as the winter approaches. Doing little things can make all the difference when trying to give back.
Thanksgiving is about coming together and giving thanks for all the things we have in our lives. Giving back during the Thanksgiving season is a great way to have a positive impact on those who are less fortunate and make their holiday special.
