15 Ideas For Volunteering Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday where Americans stuff themselves full of delicious food. What better way to work off your food coma than by giving back over the weekend?

1. Celebrat RAK Friday Friday instead of Black Friday

RAK Friday / Via Facebook: rakfriday2014

Instead of participating in consumerism, contribute to Random Acts of Kindness Friday. According to their Facebook page, "The mission of RAK Friday is to commit to 1,000 Random Acts of Kindness on November 28th, 2014!"

2. Make care packages and distribute them to the homeless.

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You can find an awesome DIY version at the Kids With a Vision blog.

3. Send holiday greeting cards to the troops.

American Red Cross / Via redcross.org

The American Red Cross runs "Holiday Mail for Heroes." Otherwise you can Adopt a Hero, Adopt a Soldier, or send thank you cards through the organization A Million Thanks.

4. Ring bells for the Salvation Army.

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Find the nearest location and sign up to volunteer here.

5. Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen.

Via dosomething.org

Search Do Something's volunteer database to find a local soup kitchen, or send food overseas to at-risk children through Feed My Starving Children.

6. Visit the sick at the hospital.

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The holidays are the worst time to be stuck in a hospital. Visit kids and brighten their day! Sign up through St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital or through your local hospitals.

7. Deliver hope to families in need.

Via familygivingtree.org

Sign up through Family Giving Tree to find local drives, or host one! Find more information here.

8. Sing carols at local retirement homes.

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None in your neighborhood? Here are other ideas for volunteering in your local area, or find more options through the Corporation for National & Community Service.

9. Help Families Find a Decent Place to Live with Habitat for Humanity

habitat.org

Want to get out of dodge for the weekend? Help families find housing and have something to be thankful for Thanksgiving this time next year. Find out all their volunteer opportunities through their website.

10. Deliver meals with Meals on Wheels.

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Senior citizens are at the highest risk of social isolation. Brighten someone’s day by visiting them in their home! Find opportunities in your area here or find out more information on the Administration on Aging’s Eldercare Locator.

11. Cleaning out your home?

pickupplease.org

Schedule a donation pick up through Pickup Please to support Vietnam Veterans of America.

12. Home for the holidays and need a haircut?

locksoflove.org

Sign up for Locks of Love and provide wigs for children with cancer.

13. Donate to a toy drive through Toys for Tots.

toysfortots.org

Find local drop-off locations here.

14. Organize a neighborhood food drive.

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Hit up your neighbors for their canned goods! Create and print off these free flyers to leave at people’s homes who don’t answer the door. Give them a specified time you’ll be back to pick up their donations. Find more ideas here.

15. Want to donate your time but not sure how?

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Organizations like Volunteer Match, Charity Navigator, Big Hearted Families, and Serve.gov match you with agencies and organization in your area that will match your interests. Do Something also focuses specifically on 13-to-25-year-olds.

You can also find more ideas here!

Happy Thanksgiving!