Leaves are changing color, there’s a chill in the air, and Thanksgiving’s right around the corner. The image of a big family seated around a dinner table crowned with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce has been imbedded in us since childhood. One thing we tend to forget about though, is that image isn’t always the reality. One in nine Pennsylvanians are living in poverty and aren’t able to enjoy the holiday whole-heartedly. We can change that. There are plenty of opportunities available right here in Pittsburgh to help our fellow Pittsburghers this Thanksgiving, and here are a few of them:
Gay For Good (G4G)
This national organization specializes in “mobilizing the LGBT community to […] volunteer time to various social welfare and environmental service projects.” G4G allows LGBT communities in different cities to come together with the greater public to build relationships between the two, and also has a track record of more interesting ways of volunteering. From providing a helping hand at zoos and animal shelters to transforming empty lots into community gardens, G4G partakes in a variety of activities. The different chapters range from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and right here in Pittsburgh.
After speaking with Jared Pascoe, local chapter leader and cofounder of Gay for Good, I now know that after only three years from its creation, they’ve volunteered 4,900 hours of time and teamed up with over 25 other nonprofit organizations for different projects! For example, last summer during the first annual Harvey Milk Day of Service, volunteers planted trees in Lawrenceville, and in the past they have worked with Toys for Tots and Shepherd Wellness during the holiday season. G4G hasn’t announced its specific plans for this year but will through their Facebook page, which is updated at least once a week with other opportunities and pictures from different projects. You can see galleries of previous projects at gayforgood.org/pittsburgh_pa and look for even more projects coming up
Jubilee Kitchen
Location – 2005 Wyandotte St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Most all Pittsburghers know of the Jubilee Soup Kitchen, and plenty have volunteered there before. The kitchen has served hot meals to ill, needy, and impoverished people every single day since 979. The nonprofit organization extends its hospitalities to any and every one in need by creating a safe and comfortable environment.
This Thanksgiving, Jubilee plans to offer a special Turkey feast to any person or family in need. Helping hands are needed to serve meals, cleanup afterwards, and greet people with friendly faces. Paulette Blasko, executive coordinator of the kitchen, expresses the mission of Jubilee is to serve the hungry not just on holidays, but every day and it’s easy to sign up by just calling ahead of time at 412.261.5417 or visiting their website, jubileesoupkitchen.org.
Rainbow Kitchen
Location – 135 E. 9th Avenue Homestead, PA 15120
All year since 1984, Rainbow Kitchen provides meals and groceries to low income families and individuals along with supportive services. Their annual holiday food drive offers traditional holiday foods by accepting donations to their pantry and distributing them before Thanksgiving. Participating in the drive allows you to still spend the day with your family and friends on Turkey Day, but also helps another family do the same. The Rainbow Kitchen also accepts monetary donations and volunteering year round. Visit rainbowkitchen.org for more information on clothing drives and pantry donations.
KDKA-TV Turkey Fund
For the past 33 years KDKA has run a fund to help local families enjoy a true Thanksgiving dinner. They accept any and all amounts of contribution and match donations over $50 all the way up to 50,000! They work with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. This is a great option for those of us with other plans this holiday. You can send your donation by check or money order to KDKA Turkey Fund, P.O Box Thanks, Pittsburgh PA, 15230.
24th Annual Turkey Trot
Location – PNC Park, N Shore Drive & Mazeroski Way Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Looking for something a little more active? This event co-sponsored by PNC and the YMCA offers three different races: the 1Mile Fun Run, 5k Race, and a 5 Mile Race. It’s easy to register, everything is online starting at $13.00 up to $50.00, and you can register online at ymcaofpittsburgh.org/turkeytrot all the way up to November 24! No need to worry about being too exhausted from the turkey to participate either, these events are all in the morning, one after the other. Make it a family affair: strollers are welcome and kids can race too with a specific package. Even if you’re not a runner, volunteers are needed to pass out water and get the races going. The proceeds from registering go to local charities and food banks.
YMCA
Different Y locations have plans to help the needy this year. For example, the McKeesport and Homewood Y offer families the chance to partake in crafts with their children before the Thanksgiving feast. The Wilmerding and Western area Y are both promoting food and/or coat drives this season. Wilmerding also has a Turkey Bowl Parent/Child Flag Football game planned, while Western Area plans to distribute Thanksgiving baskets. At the North Boroughs Y, 250 turkeys will be given away at the community center. The different locations collaborate and receive contributions from many other organizations like The Pittsburgh Food Bank, Parkway Rotary, KDKA, and Calvary church. You can check what your local YMCA has planned by checking the website or stopping through.
I’m sure we all have our own special plans this Thanksgiving, whether that’s spending the day with family and friends the traditional way or not, but these opportunities are here to make this Turkey Day a little more unique to us all. Understandably, it may be difficult to fit in volunteering at a food bank or church on Thanksgiving day, but even if we donate food or clothes towards a local drive, that could make the world of difference to a family or person in need. Looking for more or closer opportunities? Most high schools and churches have their own specific activities planned for the holiday, be sure to check it out! We all deserve to relish in Thanksgiving festivities, and knowing just one more person is able to enjoy the holiday from your involvement makes the gift of giving even more worthwhile.
