Thanksgiving is a time of food – and gratitude.
And for many that means looking for a place to help others have a good holiday meal. Here are some places to consider making the gift of volunteer time (or monetary donations; they’re all nonprofits):
Volunteer opportunities on Thanksgiving and beyond: The nonprofit Hands On Greater Portland has Thanksgiving Day events. Sign up as a volunteer before picking specific events.
Old Town’s Portland Rescue Mission serves meals for Thanksgiving and beyond. They’re looking for ongoing volunteers for their organization.
Oregon Food Bank is focused on making sure people don’t go hungry. They have a diverse set of ways to volunteer: packing up food, distributing meals, or making phone calls from home.
Another option on Thanksgiving Day itself is the nonprofit Blanchet House. They're not serving a meal that day, but instead offering some at-home options. They also note that many places that offer in-person options quickly fill with volunteers on Thanksgiving, which is heartening. There are many good people out there.
