How to give back this Thanksgiving

Molly Wright

It’s November, so you know what that means! Thanksgiving! And this Thanksgiving we’ve got some great traditions to share, and ways to give back to your community!

“I think I'm going up to West Virginia,” August Akers, a 6th grade student at UMiddle said. “A lot of my cousin, and uncles live there, so we're just driving up there. We definitely always have mashed potatoes, and obviously turkey.”

While some students are traveling far, others are staying closer to home.

Another one of our 8th graders, June Buchanan, also likes to visit family during this time.

“So mainly I meet up at my aunt's house and me and my dads side of the family have a get together,” June Buchanan, an 8th grade student at UMiddle said. “I'm making the desserts this year.”

If you are looking for ways to get involved this Thanksgiving season, local food banks and pantries are looking for support.

The largest organization is the Mid-South Food Bank, serving 31 counties across the Memphis metropolitan area. 

They recommend providing canned foods with long shelf life, but also can openers and spices such as salt and pepper. You can also volunteer directly and be a member of their sort & pack crew, re-pack crew, or clerical crew to help get the food to those in need. 

Another recommendation is Union Mission. We just collaborated with them, and for those who missed that, it would be a great way to join in on the fun!

Mid-South Food Bank Donation Link

Mid-South Food Bank Volunteer Link

Memphis Union Mission