5 places to volunteer for Thanksgiving Day 2024 for a feel-good spirit

5 volunteering activities that will uplift your spirits this Thanksgiving Day. (Image via Pexels/ RDNE)
5 volunteering activities that will uplift your spirits this Thanksgiving Day. (Image via Pexels/ RDNE)

Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner and along with it comes a chance to uplift your mood and spirit. Thanksgiving traditions have transformed and are no longer limited to celebrating harvest and growth from the previous year. Giving back to society or helping those in need has become a prominent part of these traditions.

Whether it is taking care of an animal, providing meals, or helping someone learn a skill, there are many volunteering activities that you can take up this Thanksgiving. We have curated a list of 5 experiences that will help improve your mood and contribute to someone's well-being.

Note: This article reflects the writer’s opinion. Do comment with your suggestions to let us know which other items deserve to make the list.

Prosocial behavior is linked to an increase in happiness. (Image via Pexels/ Cottonbro)
Prosocial behavior is linked to an increase in happiness. (Image via Pexels/ Cottonbro)

5 volunteer activities that will uplift your spirits this Thanksgiving Day

If you have prepped your turkey and are thinking about other traditions to try this Thanksgiving Day, volunteering can be one of them. This year Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated across the USA on November 28. Here are 5 volunteering experiences that you can try out:

1. Volunteer to support Military families and soldiers

This Thanksgiving Day, you can volunteer to help a soldier. While many soldiers return to their homes during holidays, some may come back with injuries and wounds. The Wounded Warrior Project encourages you to write letters or personalized messages to soldiers to make their day special. You can also provide donations to Giving Thanx To Heroes, a campaign run by Homefront America. The donations are used to provide meals to military families in need during the holiday season.


2. Deliver meals

With more than 5000 community-based programs, Meals on Wheels helps American seniors live healthier and more nourished lives. The organization goes beyond serving meals and aims at a life of dignity and independence for seniors. This long-standing organization is always on the lookout for volunteers who will be willing to deliver nourishing meals and hold warm conversations with seniors.


3. Operation Turkey

Eating turkey has been one of the oldest and ongoing Thanksgiving traditions. However, not all families can arrange turkey or nourishing meals during the festive season. Operation Turkey is an initiative run in many states that helps you provide nourishing meals to the homeless. Additionally, the initiative asks only for a 4-hour commitment from your day.


4. Lend your skills

It is undeniable that finding a job can be a strenuous and complicated process for many people. The Goodwill Foundation has partnered with Indeed Works to provide work and education-related services, including training those who belong to underserved communities. As a Goodwill volunteer, you can help someone learn skills to secure a job.


5. Take care of an animal

Taking care of furry pets can also be on your list. (Image via Pexels/ Mikhail Nilov)
Taking care of furry pets can also be on your list. (Image via Pexels/ Mikhail Nilov)

Taking care of animals does not always mean adopting them. You can also volunteer for fostering or donating to take care of animals. The Winding Branch Ranch, based out of Texas is committed to taking care of farm animals and educating people about ethical and humane farming practices. Whether it is a dog, cat, or farm animal, many organizations cater to their needs.


While most organizations look for volunteers throughout the year, Thanksgiving Day can be one of them to try volunteering! These experiences uplift your spirits and enrich someone else's day!

Which volunteering experience would you like to try this Thanksgiving Day? Tell us in the comments below.

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Edited by Nimisha Bansal