The Thanksgiving season is quickly approaching and there’s no better way to show your gratitude than giving back to your community. The Big Easy has long been known for its warm hospitality and ability to bring people together, making even strangers feel like family. There’s a unique kindness in New Orleans, making it an easy place to roll up your sleeves and volunteer to help those around you. Senior citizens offer many invaluable qualities, such as their time, wisdom, and skills, that can provide a lasting impact within their community. If you’re looking for a way to bless someone else this holiday season, here are a few meaningful opportunities worth considering.
Serve Meals at Soup Kitchens
New Orleans has many organizations that offer free Thanksgiving meals. You can team up with a local church or shelter to help serve those in need. Whether you help set tables, plate meals, or just serve a warm smile and some friendly conversation, you’re sure to leave a lasting impact.
Volunteer at Local Food Banks
If you prefer working behind the scenes, consider volunteering at your local food bank. There’s generally a significant increase in visitors at food banks around the holidays. People typically face more financial pressures and food insecurity this time of the year. When paired with inflation and the rising costs of living, the need is only intensified, making food banks busier than ever. The need for volunteers is at an all time high, so any help is greatly appreciated.
Create Care Packages for the Homeless
Over the past two years, the city’s homeless population has grown by nearly 20 percent. Now, more than ever, individuals are looking for a safe place to stay and basic human essentials. While you may not be able to provide a warm place to stay, you can bring them a bit of joy with a care package. Consider making bags filled with essentials like gloves, socks, snacks, a warm hat, toiletries, and a note of encouragement. With the colder months quickly approaching, the gesture will be appreciated now more than ever.
Bake Treats of Cook Meals for First Responders
Some of the most vital members of your community are often overworked and underpaid. They risk their lives everyday for our safety, often missing out on nights, weekends, and holidays with their families. Work with an organization to prepare and deliver meals and baked goods to your local firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other first responders this holiday season.
Volunteer at Local Schools and Libraries
This is such a busy time of year at local schools. There are food drives, coat drives, St. Nick’s markets, school fairs, Veterans’ Day programs, and more going on year round, but particularly around the holidays. Offer your time and talents to help lighten the load and spread the joy! Additionally, you can volunteer to read to the children or share stories about Thanksgiving traditions and the importance of giving thanks.
Volunteer at Animal Shelters
Your furry friends could use some love too! For seniors who love animals, volunteering at the local animal shelter is a great way to give back. You can walk dogs, socialize with the animals, pet, snuggle, and scratch the furry friends, or help in other ways. Many shelters are also looking for volunteers to foster animals over the holidays.
Assist with Holiday Gift Drives
Gift drives generally begin around Thanksgiving and continue until right before Christmas. So many families are unable to provide bare necessities right now, much less presents under the tree. There are several organizations that coordinate amazing gift drives, only made possible by the countless volunteers who generously donate their time. You can help collect, sort, wrap and distribute gifts to families in need. If you’re financially able, you may even consider sponsoring a child or family through an organization such as Toys for Tots. You can also check with local churches for an opportunity to adopt an angel.
Offer Childcare for Families in Need
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can often be overwhelming for parents with young children and working families, especially those who struggle to afford childcare. Through organizations such as the YMCA or other community centers, you can offer to help with childcare and after-school programs. Additionally, you can reach out to neighbors or families who you’re comfortable with to offer to look after the children. This may be the opportunity parents need to take on a little extra work to help cover holiday expenses. If nothing else, it may provide them with a moment to catch their breath and recharge.