Gratitude and generosity go hand in hand during the holidays. This Thanksgiving season, Massachusetts families have countless opportunities to turn that thankful spirit into action, whether by attending community events, rolling up their sleeves to volunteer, or supporting local food pantries. From hands-on work with organizations serving thousands, to a family movie night that benefits ocean conservation, here are ways to make giving back part of your holiday celebration.
Support families facing food insecurity
Food pantries across Massachusetts depend on community support to serve families in need, especially during the winter months when demand typically increases. Monetary donations often provide the most flexibility, allowing pantries to purchase exactly what they need, oftentimes at wholesale prices. For every dollar received by the Greater Boston Food Bank, the organization is able to provide three meals. The same donation to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts is equivalent to two nutritious meals. Contact local pantries directly to learn about their specific needs, or host a food drive within your workplace, school or community organization. Many pantries also welcome volunteers to help sort donations, stock shelves and assist with distributions.
Project Bread, a statewide food security nonprofit, connects people and communities across Massachusetts to reliable sources of food while advocating for policies that end hunger. Donations directly support this year-round work. For more information about food assistance resources, including SNAP and other federal nutrition programs, Massachusetts residents can call or text Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.
Volunteer this holiday season
Organizations across Massachusetts continue to seek volunteers during the holiday season and throughout the year. The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division will distribute nearly 40,000 pounds of food to more than 10,000 individuals and families through this season’s Thanksgiving distributions. Registration slots filled within days of opening, underscoring the significant demand across the Commonwealth.
Nonprofits like The Salvation Army seek volunteers for its Red Kettle Campaign and other year-round programs. On average, volunteer Red Kettle bell ringers raise enough money to provide nearly 250 meals to children and families in their respective towns. The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is working to raise more than $2.3 million through this year’s Red Kettle Campaign to support critical year-round social services.
Contact your favorite local nonprofit directly to learn about current volunteer needs, whether for one-time holiday events or ongoing commitments.
Spend time with your family while supporting ocean conservation
The New England Aquarium is hosting a special screening of Disney and Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” on Saturday, Nov. 29, at 6 p.m. on the Simons Theatre’s five-story giant screen. This family-friendly evening during Thanksgiving weekend offers audiences the chance to revisit the beloved ocean adventure while supporting the aquarium’s conservation mission and education programs. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with concessions and a holiday gift shop popup available. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at neaq.org/movienight25.
While it’s easy to get caught up in the festivities and abundance of the season, the greatest gift we can give is kindness to those who need it most. Whether you’re sorting canned goods at a food pantry or ringing bells at a Red Kettle, small acts of generosity ripple through communities in meaningful ways: a family’s grocery bill covered, a meal provided and a neighbor’s worry lifted. To learn more about Teak Media’s nonprofit and responsible business clients that help make the world a better place, visit teakmedia.com/whom-we-serve/clients.
