Giving back in Philadelphia this Thanksgiving

Giving back in Philadelphia this Thanksgiving
Yardley United Methodist Church

It’s no question that Philly looks absolutely beautiful during the holiday season. If there’s one thing the holidays bring with them, though, it’s the sense that beauty goes beyond lights and decorations: it’s something that is spread most effectively and inclusively through goodwill. Start your holiday season in the right spirits: by giving back to those less fortunate. Metro’s compiled a brief but detailed list of great volunteering ideas in the area. We hope you’ll check them out!

SHARE Center Warehouse

2901 W Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19129

(215) 223-2220

When: Monday, November 24th and Tuesday, November 25th

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of the year at soup kitchens and pantries, and SHARE’s is no different. Although their pantry is generally open (with plenty of open spots for volunteers) on weekdays throughout the entire month, those thinking about volunteering for the holiday season should definitely do so! Duties include packing food, bagging food, and tending the warehouse’s garden. Tasks are divided depending on what is needed the most on a given day!

MANNA Kitchen

2323 Ranstead St., Philadelphia, PA, 19103

(215) 496-2662

[email protected]

When:Monday to Friday. Click here for detailed shift times.

Join more than 2,500 annual volunteers in bringing food to the hungry in Philadelphia. Volunteers may come individually or in groups, and assistance is needed at lunch and dinner both for serving and in the kitchen.

Arms of Alpha 2014

1400 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19121

When:Thursday, November 27th, 7:30am to 3:30pm.

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and National Temple Baptist Church are teaming up to bring hot Thanksgiving meals, donated clothing, and personal care products to those in need. Volunteers in all areas are welcome at all times!

Philadelphia Food Access Collaborative

1501 Market St., Philadelphia, PA, 19107

www.werepair.org

When:According to the website, times are totally flexible; they’re willing to work with your schedule.

Volunteers are required to train, but it’s totally worth it: not only does the Collaborative’s Meals and More initiative provide meals to the hungry, but it also provides social and health services designed, according to the organization’s statement, “to get them back on their feet.” Why not use Thanksgiving as a way to start in on a great, long-term volunteering project? Visit Repair the World Philadelphia’s website (listed above) for more info!

Meals on Wheels

Bensalem or Bristol Twp Senior Centers, PA, 19020

When:Wednesday, November 26th

Volunteers ages 55 and up are seriously needed to deliver meals to senior citizens in the Bristol Twp or Benson areas. Pick up meals at the Senior Centers and deliver them to home-bound elders in the area. This is an incredible opportunity—and no time of the year has a greater need for volunteers in this area than the holidays!

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