How to Give Back During Thanksgiving 2025

As we gather to count our blessings, many of us feel a powerful urge to spread that warmth and give back to our communities. If you're feeling that call to contribute this Thanksgiving but aren't sure where to begin, you've come to the right place!

We’re feeling it too—this season has us thinking about how we can do more than just celebrate. At Soda Sense, we want to turn that holiday spirit into real impact. That’s why we’ve pulled together a few simple, practical ways you can support those in need—from volunteering a few hours of your time to sparking small initiatives right in your own community.

The best part? Giving back doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a little intention, your gratitude can ripple out and become something bigger—a force for good this holiday season.

3 Ways to give back during Thanksgiving

1. Volunteer your time: Where to serve

One of the best gifts you can give this season doesn’t come wrapped—it’s your time. Around the holidays, so many organizations count on volunteers to help with the extra demand, and even a few hours of your day can make a huge difference.

Thanksgiving week, in particular, is crunch time for a lot of non-profits. That’s when an extra set of hands in the kitchen, at a donation center, or just greeting people with a smile can mean the world.

Food pantries and soup kitchens

Local food banks and soup kitchens are often the first places people think of for Thanksgiving volunteering. They need help sorting donations, packing meal boxes, preparing food, and serving holiday meals.

A few hours of your time can help ensure hundreds of families have a hot meal on Thanksgiving Day.

Delivering meals to homebound individuals

Not everyone can make it to a community dinner. Organizations like Meals on Wheels America specialize in delivering meals to seniors and other homebound individuals.

Volunteering to deliver these meals is more than just a food drop-off; it's a moment of human connection for someone who may be isolated during the holidays.

That friendly smile and brief chat can be just as nourishing as the meal itself.

2. Donate to make a difference

If your schedule is packed, making a financial donation is an incredibly effective way to support charitable work. Non-profits are experts at stretching every dollar to maximize their impact, turning your contribution into essential resources for those they serve.

National and local food banks

Organizations like Feeding America are titans in the fight against hunger. A single dollar donated to their network can often provide multiple meals to people in need.

Your donation helps them secure and distribute food to smaller, local food banks across the country, ensuring resources get to the communities that need them most.

You can also donate directly to your local food bank, where your contribution will have a direct impact on your neighbors.

Support organizations for the elderly and veterans

Beyond food, many organizations provide comprehensive support. Consider donating to groups that assist the elderly, veterans, or families experiencing homelessness.

These donations can fund everything from shelter and warm clothing to medical care and companionship programs, addressing a wide range of needs that become even more pressing during the colder months.

3. Organize a local food or fund drive

Want to multiply your impact? Rally your friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors to contribute. Organizing a drive is a proactive way to gather a large number of resources for a cause you care about.

How to host a food drive

1. Choose a beneficiary: Contact a local food pantry or shelter to ask what items they need most. Canned goods like vegetables, fruits, and proteins are always great, but they might also need staples like pasta, rice, cooking oil, or even personal care items.
2. Set a goal and timeline: Decide how long your drive will last. A week or two is usually a good timeframe to build momentum without it dragging on.
3. Spread the word: Create simple flyers, post on social media, and send emails. Clearly state what you're collecting, for whom, and where people can drop off their donations.
4. Make it easy: Set up a clearly marked collection box in a high-traffic area, like your office lobby, apartment building common area, or front porch.
5. Deliver the goods: Once your drive is over, coordinate with your chosen organization to drop off the collected items.

Hosting a virtual fund drive can be one of the easiest ways to give back. Most charities already have simple tools that let you set up your own fundraising page in minutes.

From there, you can share it with friends and family, watch the donations add up, and see your impact grow in real time.

Related read: 10 Ways to Be More Eco-Conscious

Perform small acts of kindness

Giving back doesn't always require a formal commitment or a large-scale effort. Small, personal acts of kindness can create powerful ripples of positivity throughout your community.

• Check on a neighbor: Do you have an elderly neighbor or a family that you know is struggling? Offer to bring them a plate from your Thanksgiving dinner or pick up a few extra groceries for them.
• Create "Blessing Bags": Fill a few gallon-sized bags with essentials like socks, gloves, water bottles, non-perishable snacks, and toiletries. Keep them in your car to give to unhoused individuals you may encounter.
• Pay it forward: When you’re in line for coffee, consider paying for the person behind you. It’s a small gesture that can brighten someone’s day unexpectedly.
• Thank essential workers: Thanksgiving is a workday for many. Bring a box of treats to your local fire station, police department, or hospital emergency room to show your appreciation for their service.

Tips for finding local opportunities

Finding the right place to volunteer or donate can feel overwhelming. Here are a few reliable ways to find opportunities right in your backyard.

Idealist

Websites like Idealist.org are excellent search engines for non-profit work. You can filter by location, cause, and type of activity to find something that fits your interests.

Local community websites and social media

Check your city or town's official website or community Facebook groups. Organizations often post calls for volunteers and donations there.

Contact places of worship

Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith-based organizations are often deeply involved in community outreach and can point you toward local efforts.

Just ask!

Call a non-profit you admire directly. Even if their Thanksgiving volunteer spots are full, they can tell you what they need most, whether it's donations for a winter coat drive or help in the less-crowded weeks after the holiday.

FAQs

What types of donations are most needed during the holidays?

Non-profits often need non-perishable food, warm clothing, blankets, and toiletries. Monetary donations are also highly appreciated as they offer flexibility to address the most urgent needs.

Are there virtual volunteering opportunities?

Yes, many non-profits now offer ways to volunteer remotely, such as helping with social media, fundraising, or virtual tutoring programs.

Can children volunteer too?

Some organizations allow kids to get involved under adult supervision. Research family-friendly opportunities like food drives or creating care packages.

How far in advance should I sign up to volunteer?

It's best to plan ahead, as holiday volunteering spots can fill up quickly. Aim to sign up at least a few weeks in advance if possible.

Summary

This Thanksgiving, you have the power to share your gratitude in a tangible way. Whether you choose to serve meals at a shelter, donate to a national organization like Feeding America, organize a food drive with your colleagues, or simply check in on a neighbor, your actions matter.

The spirit of Thanksgiving is about community and compassion. By finding a way to give back that aligns with your capacity and passion, you not only help others but also enrich your own holiday experience. Start with one small step, and you'll discover how rewarding it is to be a part of something bigger than yourself.