Family Guide To Thanksgiving Volunteering

Thanksgiving is a magical time of year for so many different reasons.  First of all, the smorgasbord of food is amazing; when else can you eat your weight in pumpkin pie? Of course the Dallas Cowboys are playing every Thanksgiving Day, and since we never know just how they're gonna do on the gridiron, you may not mind letting the tryptophan do its work and put you in a minor food coma on the couch. And, for some, the best part about Thanksgiving is black Friday where people turn into herd animals stampeding through Walmart for $9 food mixers.

Okay- I am joking a bit about the joys of Thanksgiving.  But often times we can get so caught up in the overindulgence and consumption of the holiday that we miss the direction inherent in the very name of this holiday. The fourth Thursday is a time for food and family but more than anything it is a time of reflection that begs us to give thanks for all of the blessings we have.  One of the greatest ways to give thanks during this holiday season is not in simply saying you're thankful but living out your thanks by serving others.

If you have been inspired this holiday season to serve others, we have a few opportunities to mention if you aren't sure what to do.  This is not an exhaustive list but it is something to get your brain thinking about helping others who during this holiday season might not have as much to be grateful for.

Area Agency on Aging of Dallas
1349 Empire Central Drive #400
Dallas, TX 75247
214-871-5065

During the holiday season, one of the most overlooked groups is the elderly of Dallas.  Many Dallas elderly are shut in, needing human interaction and a hot meal. The AAAD allows you to cook and deliver meals.

River Legacy Living Science Center
703 NW Green Oaks Boulevard at Cooper Street
Arlington, TX 76006
817-860-6752

For those of you who are nature lovers and would like to further ecological efforts in our Metroplex, the River Legacy center will have special holiday opportunities to serve from November 26th through December 22nd from 5 p.m.- 9 p.m. There are numerous ways to get involved, including a Gift Wrap Extravaganza, and give back, so check out their website for more information. Volunteers are needed all year round!

Turkey Trot Dallas 2011
T. Boone Pickens YMCA
601 N. Akard
Dallas, TX 75201
214-954-0500

For the athletically inclined among us (or those who like to pretend they are), volunteering at the 2011 Turkey Trot would be a great way to serve the community. Sign up online for a variety of jobs that will help pull off this exciting event.