Small Ways to Say “Thanks” This Thanksgiving in Northeast Florida
The holidays have arrived, a season of generosity and gratitude, which means it’s the perfect opportunity to give back to your community! From finding different non-profits to volunteer at or participating in a holiday toy drive, there are many ways to spread cheer and show gratitude across Northeast Florida.
Read more to explore meaningful ways to make a difference this holiday season in JAX:
Volunteer at a Non-Profit
- Ronald McDonald House
Volunteer at Ronald McDonald’s “Santa’s Workshop” to help make a child’s dream holiday gift list come to life. As one of Santa’s helpers, you can help wrap the gifts the family chooses, then deliver the boxes on Christmas Eve straight to their rooms. If you’re not able to volunteer, you are also able to donate gifts to help elevate the family’s shopping experience.
- Jacksonville Humane Society
Attention all animal lovers – the Jacksonville Humane Society is always looking for volunteers and donations, especially around the holiday season! Help make their furry friends feel extra loved and cared for during this time of year by spending some time at the shelter. For volunteer opportunities click here. If you’re looking to donate, check out their site for a wish list that includes items like food, leashes and blankets.
- Bright Holidays
Bright Holidays is a charity that focuses on bringing cheer to children during the holiday season. This organization works with different schools around Jacksonville to help provide everyday essentials, including clothes and a sleeping bag, to underprivileged families. For volunteer opportunities, click here.
Photo Credits: Ronald McDonald House
Community Events
- Toy Drives
Toys for Tots is a great way to help bring the holiday magic to kids around Northeast Florida. By visiting the site, you can donate virtually or find a list of donation spots for you to drop off toys. To volunteer in person with this organization, click here.
- Coat Drives
With the summer heat gone, coat drives are an amazing way to make sure everyone stays warm in Northeast Florida during the holidays. One Warm Coat is a national organization that provides coats to children and adults. There are multiple coat drive locations across the region! To find the one closest to you, click here.
- Food Drives
The Jacksonville Food Bank makes sure families throughout JAX do not go hungry. During the holidays, you can make a donation virtually (and this organization offers a lot of different levels!) or volunteer as a shopper to pick up all of the supplies and then drop them off at JFCS. By donating to a food drive, you are making sure families in the region will be able to have a warm holiday meal this season.
Photo Credits: Toys for Tots
No matter how you’re saying “thanks” this Thanksgiving season in JAX, there are multiple ways to give back and support those who make our community so special. Have a great Thanksgiving, Northeast Florida!