Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and while it may look a little different than how it has looked in the past, it can still feel the same in our hearts. COVID-19 is changing how we get together and celebrate the holidays, and while it may be a bit different, it may also be a blessing. There may be some things that COVID-19 has taught us, and that is how important it is to take care of our fellow man. Families have been struggling throughout the pandemic, and Thanksgiving may be the perfect time to give back.
It also may be the perfect time to teach our children about helping and how important it is to make sure everyone has something to eat. To teach our children how incredibly lucky and privileged they are to be able to have family around them and food on their table.
According to Delish, it is still safe to volunteer this Thanksgiving and it will likely be encouraged, given how many people need help. There are ways for a family to give back during COVID-19 and be safe and all mom has to do is look into their local organizations.
Meals on Wheels is a great establishment that allows people to deliver hot meals to people who are stuck inside and unable to get out due to medical reasons. A lot of agencies may have arranged for a distance pick-up of food as well so that everyone can keep their distance.
If mom doesn’t mind taking her children to a grocery store, she can also look into volunteering to pick up some groceries for a senior or person at risk who is unable to go out and get them on their own. If mom doesn’t feel like making an extra trip to the grocery store with her kid, she can always shop in her own pantry and donate food to a food bank.
Food banks are working hard to get food to people who need them, and they are following health guidelines so they are a pretty safe place to bring your kid to help put together food baskets and get it to those who need it. Soup kitchens are also an option, though it may be a bit more of a risky volunteer job during COVID-19. Serving food to people may not be a low-risk volunteer job, but they are always in need of some helpers.
The best thing to do is to look in your own community for ways you and your children can help out. Do you have an elderly neighbor who needs some help or shopping? Offer to give them a hand. If they are not able to have family visit for Thanksgiving, maybe have a socially distanced visit with tea and turkey outside on their lawn. Getting children involved is the best way to make sure they grow up to be empathetic and caring individuals who give back to others.
Source: Delish