The Thanksgiving holiday is the time of year when we reflect on the blessings in our lives. Not everyone is as fortunate, so volunteering your time to brighten someone’s holiday can change lives. Here are some Denver Thanksgiving volunteering opportunities that can help you help others.
The Mile-High United Way Turkey Trot
If you’re a fan of fitness and you want to see your steps help others, the Mile-High United Way Turkey Trot is one of the best Denver Thanksgiving volunteering opportunities available to you. It’s a four-mile walk or run that takes place on Thanksgiving morning in Washington Park. An average of 10,000 runners show up each year to trot off a few extra calories before they replace them with turkey and stuffing. Participating in the Turkey Trot helps raise awareness and money for school children. It focuses on their overall success and their ability to succeed in adulthood.
Denver Rescue Mission
The Denver Rescue Mission is Denver’s oldest full-service Christian Charity. Volunteer positions usually go quick for the Great Thanksgiving Banquet (which feeds thousands of city residents), but you can still make a monetary donation online. Each $2 you donate provides a hot, healthy meal to someone in need. If you’d like to donate to the Denver Rescue Mission, just visit their website.
Pet Food Drive
Pets are a very important part of people’s lives, and they’re often forgotten about when it comes to providing food. The Boulder Valley Humane Society works hard to provide food and shelter to hundreds of displaced animals, so if you’re looking for Denver Thanksgiving volunteering opportunities as an animal lover, feel free to pick up some bagged food or other items and drop it off to them. You can find their wish list online, and you can choose from any of these items.
Food Bank Donations
The food banks scattered throughout Denver help thousands of people in the community feed their families. They rely on donations from local grocers and food manufacturers, as well as from people living in the community. Most of the food banks in the area prefer donations of non-perishables (canned and boxed goods), but they will also distribute perishable items to families in need. You can drop off non-perishables at any time, but if you have items that must be refrigerated or frozen, contact the food banks in advance so they can prepare some storage space.
License to Dream
One of the best Denver Thanksgiving volunteering opportunities is with a group called License to Dream. For several years now, they’ve delivered meals to people who have a hard time getting out – and they need your help. Families request meals in advance, and volunteers provide the food, cook it, and then deliver it to those in need. They serve between 3,000 and 5,000 people each Thanksgiving holiday.
If you’re interested in giving back to your community this holiday, there’s certainly no shortage of Denver Thanksgiving volunteering opportunities. Whether you choose to run a four-mile marathon to raise money and awareness for school children or donate goods to a number of rescue missions and food banks, your contributions are appreciated.