November: A Month of Giving Back and Giving Thanks
With Thanksgiving coming up, November is a time dedicated to giving and gratitude, and it’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together in meaningful ways.
Here are some ideas for how we can all give back throughout the month:
- Say “thank you” to a teacher or staff member at school.
- Gather food, clothing, or household items to donate to a local shelter. Donate pet toys, food, or bedding to an animal shelter.
- Participate in a clean-up day in your neighborhood or at a nearby park or beach. This promotes teamwork and creates a sense of responsibility for our communities.
- Make holiday cards for veterans or residents in nursing homes. It’s a simple way to spread joy and teach empathy.
- Write a thank you note to a first responder or mail carrier.
- Pay it forward by leaving change for someone near a vending machine, buying a snack/coffee for someone, or doing yard work for an elderly neighbor.
- Have conversations about what it means to be thankful and what it means in your own family.
By incorporating gratitude and service into our family’s routines, we can create lasting memories while instilling values of kindness and community in our children.