This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at C of C chapter.

As we all gather around the table and give thanks, it is important to keep in mind those who are not as fortunate. It is a privilege to be able to head home for the holidays. It is a privilege to be stuffed all day. It is a privilege to have leftovers. Why not give others the chance to experience our privileges? If you’re like me and inevitably complain about eating too much after the holidays (and maybe gaining a few pounds) you will enjoy this article. Instead of sitting around all day this year I have decided to volunteer in my hometown. While I know many of you are from Charleston and will stay here for the holiday I have found some great volunteering opportunities around our Holy City. From serving food and delivering it to volunteering for the turkey day run- I have found it all!

Charleston Basket Brigade feeds more than 2 million people each year. Feeding no less than 3,500 families in Charleston. Each meal is assembled and anonymously hand-delivered by CBB volunteers on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. This year the brigade takes place at 7am on Tuesday, November 21st at the Charleston Area Convention Center Exhibit Hall C (5000 Coliseum Drive, North Charleston, SC 29418). All you have to do is show up and help deliver meals. If you don’t want to do that you can even donate! Click the link to find out more: http://charlestonbasketbrigade.com/volunteer-your-time/.

One 80 Place is another wonderful platform that gives back to our community all year around. On Thanksgiving, they need volunteers to serve meals. Volunteers will help in all aspects of food service so they can feed between 150-250 people who visit our community kitchen on a daily basis. Volunteer duties will include serving meals, attending drink station, prep tables, and other tasks as assigned by kitchen staff. Our kitchen staff and guests will give you direction on how you can best help during food service. Here’s the link to give back: http://one80place.volunteerhub.com/Events/Event/Summary.aspx?EventID=3620733!

Whatever you choose to do, you will be giving homeless people of Charleston a chance to have a better holiday. You will be giving back to our community! It is a great way to get away from the chaos of family thanksgiving and gain insight on how lucky we each are. If you have a family, a full plate, and a roof over your head- you are much more fortunate than many others. Immersing yourself in a me third attitude is something that I learned in high school. The entire concept is to put yourself after others. It is a giving back mentality that can bring true joy to your heart.

The me third attitude is something that I am guilty of ignoring at times. It is not my inherent action to think about volunteering for Thanksgiving over relaxing and hanging-out all day. So instead of shopping on black Friday- use your money and time to give to those who could never even fathom black Friday.

So, if you dislike these specific opportunities, reach out to your local church or shelter and ask what you can do!

Happy Thanksgiving.

Give Back and Give Thanks

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