Amid
the hardships of 2020, there have been shining examples of people putting others
first all across the country. Local communities have come together to support
each other during these trying times. With Thanksgiving at the end of the month,
now is the perfect time to give thanks by giving back.
Treat
someone to lunch.
Remember
when your neighbor helped you clean up after that big storm? Or a teacher went
out of his or her way to help your child? Surprise them with a gift card to a
local restaurant or a delivery service to show your thanks. Not only will they
enjoy a free meal, you will also be supporting a local business.
Send
a card or write a note.
Go
old school and get out a pen and paper to send a letter to someone for whom you
are grateful. You do not have to write a lot; even a small note of thanks can
help to brighten a person’s day, especially when they are not expecting it.
Volunteer
your time.
Time
is the most precious gift we can give. Find a cause that is near to your heart
and find a way to volunteer. Many socially distant volunteer opportunities are
available, like packing meals for food-insecure families, providing online
tutoring and homework assistance, or checking in on senior citizens in your
neighborhood.
Shop
local and share on social media.
Small
businesses took quite a hit this year, yet many rose above and continued to
provide services and goods to their communities. Give thanks to the shops in
your neighborhood and buy local this holiday season. Even better, share what you
love most about them on social media to show your support.
Donate
blood.
According
to the American Red Cross, someone in the United States needs blood every two
seconds. This year in particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that we
should never take our health for granted. If you are in good health, show your
thanks by paying it forward and donating blood for those in
need.