The Real Thanksgiving Givers
With Thanksgiving almost upon us, we thought we’d look at what it really means to ‘Give Thanks’ and why some people go the extra mile to ensure the true spirit shines on this special day.
To most Thanksgiving has turned into what can only be called a gluttony of consumerism and the need to do so in the biggest way possible. With the typical American downing a whopping 3000 calories from over 45 million turkeys, each with an average weight of 16 pounds, there seems little room for extras. By the end of the day it totals around 4500 calories on feasting. According to the 33rd annual American Farm Bureau figures for 2018, the average cost of the meal for 10 people was $48.90. However another survey of 1040 Thanksgiving hosts, said the cost was significantly higher at £334 for a dinner for 11 guests.
None of that however accounts for those unfortunate people who are not able to partake in the excess whether it be due to lack of money or not having anyone to share it with. This is where the real thanks are given and we celebrate a few of those whose mission is to help others and make a difference.
Many celebrities choose to give up their time and help those less fortunate and in 2018
Pharrell Williams, Keven Hart and his children Kenzo, Heaven and Hendrix served dinner to the homeless at the Los Angeles Mission, as did Minnie Driver and her son Steve. Nicki Minaj and her Mom spent time in their hometown neighbourhood of Jamaica Queens in NYC giving away free turkeys, while Michael Jordan was greeting and handing out food to people of Wilmington in North Carolina. In fact some of these events are so popular with celebrities, you have to book well in advance to volunteer.
In 2018, Celebrity chefs Guy Fieri, Jose Andres (and his non-profit World Central Kitchen) and Tyler Florence got together in Chico, California and organised around 100 chefs and 800 volunteers to cook and serve approx. 15,000 thanksgiving meals, in support of the wild fire victims. Former governor of California Arnold Swarzenegger even stopped by to lend a hand.
The Obama’s are popular in the list of Celebrity volunteers with Michelle Obama once posting on Instagram “Today is a reminder to be thankful for what we have, and share our blessings by helping others”. Last year Barack Obama helped prepare meals at a Chicago food bank. The Greater Chicago Food depository says that it distributes up to 159,000 meals per day and strongly believe that no one should go hungry at any time of the year, let alone on Thanksgiving. In 2015 the whole Obama family helped serve meals to the homeless and at-risk veterans at Friendship Place in Washington.
Kevin Bacon and his wife have previously been seen lending a helping hand at New York City’s Community Kitchen in West Harlem, which prepare upwards of 1000 meals for high need communities in the area. Nicole Richie and Samantha Ronson were seen unloading boxes of food before serving lunch at a local shelter in Hollywood. Nicole and her husband started the Richie Madden Children’s Foundation in support of disadvantaged families.
It’s not just charities which attract the giving spirit, many places of worship and even some restaurants open their doors to the needy and provide food and shelter, with a few even offering menus for the hungry diners.
What can you do to really make a difference?
How about hosting a food drive? There are numerous organisations asking for food donations at this time of the year, such as Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline, who not only collect but also offer suggestions and guidance on hosting your very own food drive or can suggest public drop sites in your area. They prefer non-perishable goods but are happy to take any type of food stuff including baby foods and formula. Also consider donating or collecting other things for charitable causes, such as clothes, hygiene products and baby products, as they are always in demand.
If you really don’t have the time to spare, you can consider making a monetary donation to help clothe or feed someone in need. There are numerous annual events designed to raise money and awareness for those less fortunate and rely solely on these charitable ventures.
Consider offering your time to some of the smaller and less well known charities as they generally require more help (and money). Even visiting your elderly neighbour, or better still inviting them round for dinner is an amazing gesture. Your local children’s home and retirement homes are extremely worthwhile places to consider helping out.
OperationTurkey is one of the largest organisers of Thanksgiving help to the needy and in 2018 hand delivered more than 60,000 meals in 22 official cities, across 7 states. This year they aim to serve 75,000 meals in even more locations. They don’t just deliver meals but also prepare care packages and clothing to those in need from 8am to 12pm on Thanksgiving Day. If you are interested in helping out in any way you can, contact them as soon as possible.
An estimated 2000 people will be fed through the St John the Evangelist Church and its volunteers in North Naples. The event takes place in Immokalee Park and is now in its 39th year and was designed to give thanks to the regions farmworkers, many of which are migrant workers. The event is put together with the help of the Publix deli stores and this year aim to get 150 turkeys and 200 pies donated and on peoples plates for Thanksgiving.
With all the amazing opportunities for helping there is no reason not to get involved but don’t just stick to Thanksgiving. Remember help is needed throughout the year and there is nothing better than knowing you’ve given someone less fortunate than yourself some hope. Enjoy your thanksgiving and make it a time for you, your loved ones and your whole community.
Image credits:
https://www.tmz.com/2018/11/20/michael-jordan-thanksgiving-meals-north-carolina-hurricane-victims/
To most Thanksgiving has turned into what can only be called a gluttony of consumerism and the need to do so in the biggest way possible. With the typical American downing a whopping 3000 calories from over 45 million turkeys, each with an average weight of 16 pounds, there seems little room for extras. By the end of the day it totals around 4500 calories on feasting. According to the 33rd annual American Farm Bureau figures for 2018, the average cost of the meal for 10 people was $48.90. However another survey of 1040 Thanksgiving hosts, said the cost was significantly higher at £334 for a dinner for 11 guests.
None of that however accounts for those unfortunate people who are not able to partake in the excess whether it be due to lack of money or not having anyone to share it with. This is where the real thanks are given and we celebrate a few of those whose mission is to help others and make a difference.
Many celebrities choose to give up their time and help those less fortunate and in 2018
Pharrell Williams, Keven Hart and his children Kenzo, Heaven and Hendrix served dinner to the homeless at the Los Angeles Mission, as did Minnie Driver and her son Steve. Nicki Minaj and her Mom spent time in their hometown neighbourhood of Jamaica Queens in NYC giving away free turkeys, while Michael Jordan was greeting and handing out food to people of Wilmington in North Carolina. In fact some of these events are so popular with celebrities, you have to book well in advance to volunteer.
In 2018, Celebrity chefs Guy Fieri, Jose Andres (and his non-profit World Central Kitchen) and Tyler Florence got together in Chico, California and organised around 100 chefs and 800 volunteers to cook and serve approx. 15,000 thanksgiving meals, in support of the wild fire victims. Former governor of California Arnold Swarzenegger even stopped by to lend a hand.
The Obama’s are popular in the list of Celebrity volunteers with Michelle Obama once posting on Instagram “Today is a reminder to be thankful for what we have, and share our blessings by helping others”. Last year Barack Obama helped prepare meals at a Chicago food bank. The Greater Chicago Food depository says that it distributes up to 159,000 meals per day and strongly believe that no one should go hungry at any time of the year, let alone on Thanksgiving. In 2015 the whole Obama family helped serve meals to the homeless and at-risk veterans at Friendship Place in Washington.
Kevin Bacon and his wife have previously been seen lending a helping hand at New York City’s Community Kitchen in West Harlem, which prepare upwards of 1000 meals for high need communities in the area. Nicole Richie and Samantha Ronson were seen unloading boxes of food before serving lunch at a local shelter in Hollywood. Nicole and her husband started the Richie Madden Children’s Foundation in support of disadvantaged families.
It’s not just charities which attract the giving spirit, many places of worship and even some restaurants open their doors to the needy and provide food and shelter, with a few even offering menus for the hungry diners.
What can you do to really make a difference?
How about hosting a food drive? There are numerous organisations asking for food donations at this time of the year, such as Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline, who not only collect but also offer suggestions and guidance on hosting your very own food drive or can suggest public drop sites in your area. They prefer non-perishable goods but are happy to take any type of food stuff including baby foods and formula. Also consider donating or collecting other things for charitable causes, such as clothes, hygiene products and baby products, as they are always in demand.
If you really don’t have the time to spare, you can consider making a monetary donation to help clothe or feed someone in need. There are numerous annual events designed to raise money and awareness for those less fortunate and rely solely on these charitable ventures.
Consider offering your time to some of the smaller and less well known charities as they generally require more help (and money). Even visiting your elderly neighbour, or better still inviting them round for dinner is an amazing gesture. Your local children’s home and retirement homes are extremely worthwhile places to consider helping out.
OperationTurkey is one of the largest organisers of Thanksgiving help to the needy and in 2018 hand delivered more than 60,000 meals in 22 official cities, across 7 states. This year they aim to serve 75,000 meals in even more locations. They don’t just deliver meals but also prepare care packages and clothing to those in need from 8am to 12pm on Thanksgiving Day. If you are interested in helping out in any way you can, contact them as soon as possible.
An estimated 2000 people will be fed through the St John the Evangelist Church and its volunteers in North Naples. The event takes place in Immokalee Park and is now in its 39th year and was designed to give thanks to the regions farmworkers, many of which are migrant workers. The event is put together with the help of the Publix deli stores and this year aim to get 150 turkeys and 200 pies donated and on peoples plates for Thanksgiving.
With all the amazing opportunities for helping there is no reason not to get involved but don’t just stick to Thanksgiving. Remember help is needed throughout the year and there is nothing better than knowing you’ve given someone less fortunate than yourself some hope. Enjoy your thanksgiving and make it a time for you, your loved ones and your whole community.
Image credits:
https://www.tmz.com/2018/11/20/michael-jordan-thanksgiving-meals-north-carolina-hurricane-victims/
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