Thanksgiving and the holiday season reminds us to be thankful for what we have and give back to those less fortunate. This is the time when many people bring in canned goods for food drives, volunteer at soup kitchens and help out their community to spread the holiday spirit.
Thanksgiving is just a few days away but there are still plenty of things you can do to give back and support your Southern California community. Here are 3 creative events and charities that you can help out this year to show you love your hometown.
1. Participate in a Turkey Trot
Turkey Trots are happening all over Southern California so sign up and join in the fun. These 5K, 10K or Family Fun Run races are great for your healthy and a great way to raise money in your community. Find one near you and work up an appetite this Thanksgiving!
Turkey Trot Los Angeles
Be a part of the 5k or 10k route on the historic streets of LA on Thanksgiving day Thursday, November 27th. Register here online, participants receive a free t-shirt, there are medals for the winners and a post event festival in front of city hall. Runners are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food goods the day of the race that will be donated straight to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.
Plymouth Rock ‘n’ Run in North Orange County
You can sign up today or even come the day of on Thanksgiving to register for this North OC Turkey Trot. You can run solo but the Plymouth Rock ‘n’ Run is more fun as a group event. Awards will be given to the biggest team, the fastest team and the team that raises the most money for the Reeve-Irvine Research Center at UCI, the beneficiary of Plymouth Rock ‘n’ Run even proceeds. Click here to register. The run will be hosted at the Yorba Regional Park and runs along the Santa Ana River Trail.
Orange County Turkey Trot
Held at Irvine Valley College, this Thanksgiving Turkey Trot includes a 5K and Gobble Wobble Kid’s Dash. Waiting at the finish line is pumpkin pie and holiday beverages plus everyone will receive a race day t-shirt and medal for participating. Register today and reserve your spot! Proceeds benefit PEAK EXPERIENCES and ToReturn.org, programs bringing needed supplies to people in remote regions.
Dana Point Turkey Trot
Today is the last day to sign up and be a part of the 37th annual Dana Point Turkey Trot. This event also includes a Health and Wellness Expo open Wednesday, November 26th and Thursday morning to accompany the 5K, 10K and Kid’s Gobble Wobble races. Proceeds from the race will benefit The Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley, Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association, and Family Assistance Ministries.
2. Donate from your front porch
Did you know that there are over 600,000 residents in Orange County living at risk of missing their next meal? You can help fight that hunger without even leaving home by joining forces with the First Team Fullerton Office. They partner with the Salvation Army and Pathways of Hope to deliver meals to needy families in North Orange County and Southeastern LA County during the holidays.
Brown bags are distributed door-to-door by First Team agents with instructions on what to give and a date to leave the bag on the curb in front of your home. All you need to do is fill the bag with food and leave it out – your local First Team agent will do the rest. Simply cleaning out your own pantry can help fight hunger this holiday season.
To request a bag to be dropped off at your home or for any questions, call the First Team Real Estate Fullerton office at (714) 278-0808.
3. Gobble Gobble Give Potluck
A mix of a giant potluck and meals on wheels, this event puts a unique spin on providing meals for the needy. You are asked to bring: A warm dish ready to go, 5 toiletry items, and clothing or blankets. Help in the large “conveyer belt” putting meals together and boxing up care packages of personal good items. From there drivers deliver the meals and care packages to homeless people around the city.
You can be a part of the Gobble Gobble Give event in Santa Ana or LA at Echo Park or Santa Monica. To learn more about the event and what you can bring, check out their site under volunteer.
Leave a comment and share what you’re doing to give back this holiday season whether it’s your favorite charity, an event or a local food drive near you!
