When the Financial Aid Office thinks of Thanksgiving, we think of the warm, cozy feeling of being surrounded by family, the smell of turkey cooking, and the food! Particularly, eating the stuffing, mac and cheese, and pumpkin pie, all while fighting for the turkey leg. Plus, there’s the comfort of being able to stay home with your family without having to worry about work or school. Not to mention the impending holiday spirit of Christmas in the air with Black Friday sales and preparations to put up your tree.
However, not everyone gets to experience and enjoy the magic of Thanksgiving. It’s been a rough year, and many people only feel stressed during the holidays. More than 151,000 children in Connecticut live in households that are at risk of hunger and not getting the food they need to lead healthy, active lives. So if you are one of the lucky ones, it’s time to take stock in what you’re thankful for and help those who are less fortunate.
And remember, not all donations have to be monetary.
Haven’t worn that shirt in a year? Clean out your closet and donate your clothes, shoes, and other items to non-profit organizations.
Early riser on the weekends? Donate your time at a local homeless shelter, food pantry, or church.
Extra food in your cabinets? Donate them to a local food pantry, food bank, or church.
Couldn’t pass up that “buy one, get one” offer at the store? Many homeless shelters accept toiletry items and local churches, animal shelters, and soup kitchens are always in need of cleaning supplies.
Looking to literally save a life? Donate blood at your local blood drive.
Even if you are unable to make the donation, spreading the word that there are organizations that take donations (or are willing to help others) is a gift in and of itself. Many charities have social media links that can be easily shared, favorited, or tweeted. You never know who can help and who needs help.
Let’s all celebrate Thanksgiving together.