Thanksgiving is fast approaching, and with it comes a flurry of planning: Are we sticking to tradition this year? Whose house will we gather at? Who’s traveling? What are we bringing—our signature dish or something new?

Caption: Picture by Jed Owen in Unsplash 

Amidst all the logistics, it’s easy to lose sight of the holiday’s essence: celebrating gratitude and human connection that transcends our differences. 

In recent years, many of us have begun to reflect more deeply on the meaning of Thanksgiving and how we celebrate it. Traditionally, it’s a time to gather with loved ones, share a hearty meal, and recount the blessings we’re grateful for—starting with the joy of togetherness and the privilege of abundance. For many, this idyllic scene is an annual tradition. 

But not everyone shares in this privilege. Stories of those who struggle during the holidays emerge more visibly each year, reminding us of a bittersweet reality. 

Caption: Picture by Unit Bulut in Unsplash 

So, how can we embrace Thanksgiving’s true spirit and make it more meaningful and inclusive? 

Volunteering: An Active Expression of Gratitude 

Caption: Picture by Centre for Ageing Better in Unsplash 

The answer might be just outside your front door. Look closely, and you’ll find people in need, neighbors who could use a helping hand, and organizations dedicated to improving lives. Volunteering is a powerful way to honor the essence of Thanksgiving—by giving back to your community. 

Giving back reminds us of the abundance we often overlook. Whether through time, resources, or simple kindness, volunteering uplifts others while enriching our lives. The joy and fulfillment that come from helping are rewards beyond measure. 

This year, I encourage you to celebrate Thanksgiving by expanding your circle of gratitude. What if “family” included not just those you know and love but also your community? What if you connected through service, reaching beyond the comfort of a cozy dinner? 

Where to Volunteer in the Lake Murray Area 

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If you’re feeling inspired to give back this Thanksgiving, consider partnering with a nonprofit that resonates with you. Here are four impactful organizations in the Lexington area that make a difference year-round. 

1. Happy Wheels 

Type: Secular 

Impact: Children’s hospitals in Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston, SC 

Since 2000, Happy Wheels has brought joy to hospitalized children through a simple yet profound act: delivering books and brand-new toys directly to their rooms. 

Imagine a child’s excitement as the cart approaches—the hallways filled with shouts of, “The cart is coming!” Nurses and doctors step aside, and joy brightens a challenging day. Each child gets to pick an item to keep, a small treasure they can take home when discharged. 

Happy Wheels relies entirely on community support, including donations, fundraising events, and weekly volunteers who help push the cart. 

Consider donating or volunteering if brightening a child’s day speaks to your heart. 

● Website: Happy Wheels [Hyperlink for the underlined text: 

https://www.happywheelsinc.org

● Donate: Support Happy Wheels

● Volunteer: Join the Team

2. Mission Lexington 

Type: Religious (Christian) 

Impact: Neighbors in need in Lexington, SC

Since 1978, Mission Lexington has provided life essentials—food, clothing, and shelter—to needy families. It began as a partnership among four local churches and has grown into a multifaceted center with a thrift store, food pantry, mobile food pantry, and donation center available to help the Lexington community. 

Whether helping a family find housing or providing interview attire to someone seeking employment, Mission Lexington matches community needs with generosity. There are countless ways to get involved: volunteer shifts, household donations, or financial gifts. If you’re called to serve, Mission Lexington is ready to welcome you. 

● Website: Mission Lexington

● Donate or volunteer: Find your calling

Picture by Hannah Busing in Unsplash 

3. We Care 

Type: Religious (Christian) 

Impact: Vulnerable neighbors in Chapin, SC 

We Care began in 1986 as a joint effort from 10 local churches to ensure coordinated support for local families in need. Today, it continues its mission of serving Chapin, Little Mountain, Prosperity, and surrounding communities by offering food and financial assistance with dignity and compassion. 

Their success depends on churches, businesses, schools, and individual donors. Whether you want to volunteer, donate, or serve on the board, We Care has a place for you. 

You can subscribe to the newsletter to stay up-to-date with their upcoming events and use the checkboxes to let them know which activities you would like to be involved in. 

● Website: We Care

4. Calvary Chapel of Lexington 

Type: Religious (Christian) 

Impact: Community outreach in Lexington, SC

Calvary Chapel is a vibrant church committed to serving its community through regular outreach programs. Their initiatives range from supporting children and seniors to providing meals for struggling families. 

Their calendar is full of opportunities to give back. Whether through volunteering, donating, or participating in events, there’s a way to get involved that aligns with your skills and availability. 

● Website: Calvary Chapel

● Find your calling: Outreach Opportunities

● Volunteer: Outreach sign-up

Don’t Have Thanksgiving Free? Give Back Anytime 

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If Thanksgiving Day itself is already booked, don’t worry. Nonprofits need support year-round. You can volunteer anytime, make remote donations, or even spread the word about their work to friends and family. 

If you’ve volunteered before, you know how fulfilling it can be. This Thanksgiving is the perfect opportunity to start if it’s your first time. 

Take this holiday season’s spirit of giving as a chance to create lasting connections. Invite your loved ones to join you—it’s a Thanksgiving experience none of you will forget, and the beneficiaries certainly won’t either. 

What’s Your Favorite Way to Give Thanks? 

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Giving back is one of the most meaningful ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. What about you? Share your favorite traditions—or tell me about other nonprofits doing fantastic work in the Lake Murray area. I’d love to hear from you.