Many people don't have access to the big, traditional turkey dinners and family get-togethers that are synonymous with Thanksgiving.If you want to give back on Thanksgiving, volunteering to serve meals is a great way to do that.Giving thanks to others will make your day worthwhile and full of purpose.
Step 1: Search online for soup kitchens or food banks.
A number of different organizations run soup kitchens and food banks across the country.Search online for soup kitchens in your city.One that accepts volunteer help is nearby.There are organizations that run soup kitchens or Thanksgiving meal services.
Step 2: Ask them about volunteer opportunities on Thanksgiving.
You can see if your soup kitchen is accepting volunteers by calling them a few weeks in advance.Do you need to come in for any training before you help out on Thanksgiving Day?Some soup kitchens and food banks don't accept volunteers around Thanksgiving and the holidays.Sometimes they prefer to have only pre-trained volunteers working.If this is the case, you might be able to help by making a donation.
Step 3: Allow family and friends to join you.
Bringing family and friends along to volunteer is a great way to spread the spirit of giving back, and to spend time together.If you have never volunteered to serve food before, it can make you feel more comfortable.Afterwards, you can discuss how you felt and what it was like to talk to people who might be dealing with poverty.It is possible to get more out of your volunteering by processing your feelings together.Before you bring kids with you, make sure to ask.
Step 4: Clean clothes follow the guidelines in the kitchen.
In general, you should wear comfortable, closed-toed shoes and tie your hair back if you're going to an event.A hairnet and food-service gloves are usually provided by the organization.All rings and hand jewelry should be left at home.You should wash your hands before and after use of the bathroom.Stay home if you are sick.You don't want people to get sick.
Step 5: Ready to do whatever is needed.
You could be asked to open boxes, sort food, wash dishes, serve or cook.No matter what the task is, complete it with a good attitude and ask where your help is most needed.You are still making a difference on a special day even if you are not cooking or serving.If you're done with a task, ask what you can do to help.Let the organizers know if you have physical limitations.
Step 6: Clean and neat your work area.
Use clean utensils and food service gloves if you are working with food.Throw away the scraps in the right place, wash your tools, and wipe down the counter when you are done.Taking care of your area will make it neat for the next person who works there, and will keep the kitchen clean and presentable.If you aren't working with food, keeping your area clean shows respect for the work you're doing.
Step 7: If you can, talk with the guests after your shift.
If you can, get to know the people you serve.If you can sit with people after they get their food, ask.Ask how they are doing, and listen to their stories.Show kindness to the guests, but not pity.You could say, "Happy Thanksgiving!"We are happy that you came in.How are you?
Step 8: You can find a local Thanksgiving meal delivery volunteer near you.
Volunteers can serve meals on Thanksgiving with a food delivery service.You can find a meal delivery service near you by searching online.You can find local branches of organizations like the Society of St.Vincent de Paul.Look for seasonal organizations that only give out meals around Thanksgiving and the holidays.
Step 9: You can contact the organization by phone or sign up online.
Call the organization to see if they need volunteers for Thanksgiving Day.If you want to sign up using an online form, you can check their website.You will need to enter your name, address, and volunteer position in order to apply.It is best to call or sign up at least a few weeks before Thanksgiving in case you need extra training or if spots are limited.You might be preferred by some organizations to do home deliveries on Thanksgiving.If this is the case, you should ask if you can train earlier in the year or donate money or food.
Step 10: If you want to talk to clients, you need to sign up to deliver meals.
If you want to interact with your clients face-to-face, delivering meals is a great choice.Meal delivery is the biggest need for most programs, so you will be making a big difference.If you want to help serve meals without being involved in the food preparation process, this is a good option.Before doing deliveries, some organizations may want you to do a background check.
Step 11: Go to the program site and follow the route to deliver your meals.
As a food delivery volunteer, you need to show up at the site, pick up several meals and deliver them using a route that the program designs.Instructions on how to deliver the meals, and tips on what to say to clients, should be included in the instructions.
Step 12: You can work in the kitchen if you can't drive.
Many organizations have options to work on site if you don't have a car or want to help with organization instead of driving.You can help assign routes, package food, or check volunteers as they come.Do you know what the time commitment is for these alternate positions?Some will finish early in the day, while others will last longer.