The mouthwatering aroma of a fat juicy turkey baking in the oven, the fluffy white mounds of mashed potatoes, the cavity inducing cranberry sauce, and last but not least, the iconic pumpkin pie, spread lavishly across the table ready to be feasted upon, are all typical for Thanksgiving in the average American household. According to Scott Harrison of News Channel 13, there are estimated to be about 1,073 homeless people in Colorado Springs alone this past year. That means that 1,073 humans were unable to gorge themselves on food while watching football and sharing thanks with their families. That statistic doesn’t even account for the families who own homes and continue to struggle and who, because of that, can not afford to have a Thanksgiving dinner. Take action this holiday season by being an active member of your community and helping the less fortunate! You alone can give them a reason to be thankful this turkey day.

                Soup Kitchens, such as The Marian House in downtown Colorado Springs, are always looking for volunteers to lend their time and care to those in need. On Thanksgiving Day, you can choose to help serve a hearty meal and share your joy with others who really do need a reminder of why they should be thankful. Senior Anna Sawyer shares her experience at the Marian House. “I love volunteering for them; it’s such a positive atmosphere and a great way to help the community!” If you are not able to donate your time, you can always make a cash donation to help this wonderful organization.

http://www.ccharitiescc.org/what-we-do/marian-house/soup-kitchen/

                Operation Turkey is an organization that is 100% volunteer-based with no paid employees. Volunteers dedicate their time to making sure the less fortunate have a home cooked Thanksgiving meal and warm clothes. Volunteers help prepare, package, and deliver both home cooked meals and clothing donations. This Holiday Season they will be meeting at P.F. Chang’s, 1725 Briargate Pkwy, Colorado Springs, on November 24 from 8am-12pm. There is also another opportunity on November 23 from 7am-10pm, where volunteers smoke turkeys, accept donations, and prepare for the delivery on Thanksgiving Day.

http://www.operationturkey.com/locations/colorado-springs/

                Fall Feast is an organization that unites everyone in the community, bringing families together to eat delicious food and share their thanks. Anyone and everyone who desires to come is welcome, from families and senior citizens to the less fortunate. Volunteers are needed to help serve food, clean up, and make sure everyone leaves with a smile and a full belly. This event will be happening on November 19^th at 4655 Humboldt St, Denver, CO 80216 from 10am-4pm.

http://fallfeast.org/denver-event/

                There are also many animals that are trapped in shelters with no loving home to go to on Thanksgiving Day. The Colorado Pet Pantry is hosting 5 events in the month of November to collect food for these homeless animals. Volunteers are needed to help with collecting and distributing pet food and making sure that animals in shelters are fed proper, balanced meals to keep them happy and healthy.

http://www.coloradopetpantry.org/volunteer/

If you can’t donate your time for this holiday season, you can donate food, old clothes, or money to Mercy Gate’s food bank located on 4210 Austin Bluffs Pkwy, Colorado Springs. Mercy Gate’s provides a free Thanksgiving meal for anyone who comes. Not only do they provide food, but they also provide medical assistance and comfort to those in need.

http://www.mercysgatecs.org/help-us/

There are several different ways that you can help the less fortunate in Colorado this Thanksgiving season, so get your families and friends together to work hard and lend a hand. You have the power to put a smile on someone’s face and remind them why they’re thankful; give them the satisfaction of a food baby!  Gobble, Gobble, Gobble, and Happy Turkey Day!