Put Some Thanks Into Action!
Thanksgiving is coming, and there are better ways to help than sending another forgotten can of green beans rattling around a donation bin. Across Tennessee, an hour, a grocery bag, or a few dollars can all find a job.
Pick Your Way to Give
Give an Hour: In Memphis, Memphis Union Mission expects to serve more than 1,600 Thanksgiving meals to people experiencing homelessness or hardship. Anyone interested in helping with the November 25 banquet should contact the Mission directly, and other volunteer opportunities continue beyond Thanksgiving.
In Nashville, Nashville Rescue Mission has a busy Thanksgiving week planned, including a November 23 radiothon, the November 24 Mission: Possible Turkey Fry at The Fairgrounds Nashville, and the Great Thanksgiving Day Banquet on November 25. Volunteer shifts are also available at its men’s and women’s centers.
Fill a Box: Memphis Union Mission accepts nonperishable food, coats, blankets, socks, and hygiene kits. Farther east, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee lets supporters organize traditional or virtual food drives, giving families, schools, workplaces, and community groups a way to pitch in together. Stick to each organization’s requested items. Wish lists help nonprofits receive what they can actually use instead of sorting through well-meant extras.
Bring the Family: At Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee in Maryville, volunteers sort food, pack boxes, and prepare items for mobile pantries serving 18 counties. Groups, families, and children as young as 10 can participate, although volunteers under 16 need a chaperone.
Make a Delivery: In Greeneville, Thanksgiving Day Outreach for Greene County plans to prepare and deliver at least 2,500 meals Thanksgiving morning. Volunteers help cook, assemble meals, load vehicles, and deliver dinners.
Fund the Food: Can’t make a shift? Monetary donations give meal programs and food banks another useful tool, including the ability to purchase needed food in larger quantities. Thanksgiving Day Outreach also needs meal-preparation supplies.
Before You Head Out
Register before showing up, and check age requirements, dress codes, shift availability, wish lists, and donation instructions directly with each organization. Holiday volunteer spots can fill quickly, while shelters, food banks, and meal programs still have work to do before and after the big meal.
This year, bring something to the table that won’t need reheating.
Discover more organizations doing good across the state at https://www.guidetotennessee.com/charitable-organizations!
