How to Give During Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is right around the corner. You are only days away from stuffing your face with turkey, pie, cranberries, and who knows what else. Get excited! Before you leave and go and celebrate, you might consider doing something to help out those who are less fortunate at this time of year.  There are a ton of events that are going on around campus just for this purpose, but often times they will go unnoticed because they are advertised in those super long e-mails that we all automatically delete. This is your bullet-pointed list of opportunities to be a do-gooder.

• You can donate to the homeless population in Durham by dropping off men’s clothing, hygiene items and non-perishable food items in the Keohane 4A and 4B laundry rooms. This doesn’t take much time. You can use up your extra food points or use this as an excuse to finally make your boyfriend get rid of that shirt you hate.
• DuWell is working to create food baskets for poor families in the area. A number of student organizations are working with them to help them do this. If you are a member of one of these groups, you can simply donate money. Otherwise, contact DuWell and ask how you can donate.
• The holidays are exceptionally sad for some people in nursing and retirement homes who do not have families to visit them. There are two right off of East Campus, Pettigrew and Hillcrest, which are within walking distance. Get a group of friends together and go spend an afternoon visiting, playing games, or painting nails.
• We should also keep our troops in mind. You can write a few letters to soldiers overseas to thank them for all of their sacrifices. If you aren’t artistic, you can even find websites where you can send virtual cards. A list of websites that can help you send your letters can be found at: http://www.military.com/spouse/content/military-life/military-resources/how-to-support-our-troops.html

This is obviously not everything going on. There are tons of opportunities on campus, in Durham, and in your hometowns to help others in need during the holidays. If none of these float your boat, keep your ears open. Ask around and do some more research. Enjoy your break, relax, and remember to give back to others! There’s no better time than right before exams to get some good karma.
 

Photo source: http://holidays.kaboose.com/img/family-dinner-thanksgiving-photo-270-jsu…