I don’t know about you, but somehow we’ve arrived at the time of year when our calendars are completely ridiculous, the grocery lists are getting longer by the minute, and I’m trying to figure out how Thanksgiving is already TWO WEEKS AWAY.
And while I love all the holiday traditions, the food, the family time and the excuse to eat mashed potatoes like they’re an Olympic sport, there’s something else about this season that I really appreciate. It’s a good reminder to look beyond our own little bubbles.
One of my favorite things about living in Denver is the sense of community. There are some incredible organizations doing meaningful work right in our backyard, and this time of year is such a wonderful opportunity to show up for them. You don’t have to organize a massive fundraiser, donate a small fortune or commit every free weekend between now and New Year’s. Sometimes a few hours, a bag of groceries or a simple act of kindness can make a real difference.
So, if you’ve been thinking about giving back this Thanksgiving and aren’t quite sure where to start, I’ve rounded up a few local opportunities that make it easy to jump in.
1. Food Bank of the Rockies | Roll Up Your Sleeves
If you’re someone who likes to actually DO something, this is a great place to start.
Food Bank of the Rockies works with hunger-relief partners throughout Colorado and Wyoming, and volunteers help sort, organize and prepare food for distribution. It’s hands-on, meaningful and a great reminder of just how much work happens behind the scenes to help our neighbors.
You can sign up individually, bring friends or coordinate a group volunteer shift. And if your November calendar already looks like a game of Tetris, a financial donation or virtual food drive is another wonderful way to help.
One thing worth noting: volunteer age requirements vary by assignment, so check those before bringing the kiddos.
2. Project Angel Heart | A Little Extra Love, Delivered
This organization has such a special mission.
Project Angel Heart prepares and delivers medically tailored meals to Coloradans living with serious illnesses. These aren’t simply meals for convenience. They’re designed to meet specific nutritional needs and help take one more worry off someone’s plate.
On November 25, Project Angel Heart is hosting its annual Gobble Gobble Give, one of its biggest meal delivery efforts of the year.
Volunteers help prepare, package and deliver meals, and donations support the program as well. There are also year-round opportunities, so you don’t have to squeeze everything into Thanksgiving week.
I particularly love that this is something you can continue doing long after the holiday decorations come down.
3. Denver Rescue Mission | Put a Turkey on Someone Else’s Table
Sometimes giving back can be as simple as adding one more thing to your grocery list.
Denver Rescue Mission provides Thanksgiving meals and food boxes to local families and individuals, and donated frozen turkeys help support that effort.
Their Thanksgiving Banquet-in-a-Box distribution is scheduled for November 24 at Empower Field. Behind an event like that are donated food, generous supporters, staff and volunteers working to make the holiday a little easier for people in our community.
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the organization, although their regular online meal and warehouse signups have been experiencing technical issues. Reach out directly if you’re hoping to volunteer.
And if you don’t have time for a shift, consider donating a turkey or contributing toward meals.
4. Metro Caring | Give a Few Hours, Make a Real Difference
I love that this one isn’t necessarily a big holiday event. It’s about supporting the ongoing needs of our community.
Metro Caring operates a community food market in Denver where neighbors can access nutritious groceries and other resources. Volunteers help stock shelves, sort food, organize donations and support people using the market.
They offer weekday morning and afternoon shifts, along with select evening and Sunday opportunities. That makes it a great option if you’d rather volunteer during the week instead of trying to cram another activity into an already busy holiday weekend.
Their November calendar includes several shifts before Thanksgiving, and volunteers must be at least 14 years old.
5. Mile High United Way Turkey Trot | Run, Walk or Waddle for a Good Cause
Okay, this one might be my favorite way to combine a little family fun with giving back.
The Mile High United Way Turkey Trot returns to Washington Park on Thanksgiving morning, November 26. It’s a four-mile run or walk, and there’s also a one-mile Lil’ Gobbler Family Fun Run.
Your registration helps support Mile High United Way’s work with local families, early childhood education, housing stability and other essential community needs.
It’s a fantastic way to get outside, spend time together and start Thanksgiving with something meaningful. And let’s be real, a little movement before an afternoon of turkey, stuffing and pie probably isn’t the worst idea.
Plus, there are family activities and plenty of opportunities to wear ridiculous Thanksgiving-themed outfits. Which I fully support.
Have Little Ones? Start Small.
Here’s something I think is especially important. Not every volunteer opportunity works for young children, and that doesn’t mean they can’t be part of giving back.
Let them help choose groceries for a food pantry. Pick out a few warm winter essentials to donate. Have them help fill a bag with items from a local organization’s current needs list.
You can even make it a little family tradition. Every November, choose one way to help someone else, whether that’s donating food, supporting a nonprofit or spending a few hours volunteering together when the kids are old enough.
It’s not about making some grand statement. It’s about showing our little humans that being part of a community means caring about the people around us.
And honestly, I think that’s a pretty wonderful lesson.
A Little Good Goes a Long Way
The holidays can be a lot. The schedules, the shopping, the cooking, the family logistics and approximately 47 things you forgot to put on your list. And somewhere in all of that, I hope we can find a little room to show up for our neighbors.
It doesn’t have to be expensive. It doesn’t have to be complicated. And it certainly doesn’t have to be Instagram-worthy. Sometimes the smallest things make the biggest difference.
If you know of a Denver organization doing incredible work that deserves a little more attention, I’d genuinely love to hear about it. I’m always looking for ways to support the people and communities that make this place so special.
Happy Thanksgiving, Denver!
Volunteer opportunities, schedules and availability are subject to change. Please confirm directly with each organization before heading out.
