As Thanksgiving is approaching just around the corner, families set their tables, prepare their feasts and look forward to a nice celebration with family. However this is not the case for all people. Whether it’s struggling to fill the table with good food or not having a lot of family to celebrate with, the holidays can become a stressful time for many.
But fortunately, there are many local organizations, charities and even some Staples students that are dedicated to making the holidays just a little bit better.
According to a survey done by The Century Foundation the cost of Thanksgiving meals has risen by about 10% since just last year, making it that much more difficult for families to plate a Thanksgiving meal.
Along with this, some people can find Thanksgiving difficult when they might not have people to celebrate with or can’t provide a meal. Some organizations are helping out with this, for example Samantha Srihari ’28 is helping with the Westport Center for Senior Activities Thanksgiving feast.
“It’s important to help others, especially people who maybe can’t help themselves and just doing small things […] can brighten someone’s day and make them really take a minute and smile,” Srihari said.
Srihari is contributing this Thanksgiving through National Charity League that many students at Staples are a part of and will help out other ways this Thanksgiving by volunteering to make pies and centerpieces for the senior center’s Thanksgiving and run or walk the Turkey Trot with My Team Triumph— where volunteers will help people with disabilities run the race. Jaden Tracey ’28 will also be volunteering for Thanksgiving through National Charity League.
“Some people aren’t able to experience joyful holidays like Thanksgiving […] so people should do their part in the community to help make people’s Thanksgiving better,” Tracey said.
More community events are also taking place on a larger scale, like the Homes with Hope CT Basket Brigade. This event volunteers will gather to assemble Thanksgiving meals that will be provided to over 400 families.
Another event that attracts many families is the many Turkey Trots that take place around and on Thanksgiving day. The purpose of many of these Turkey Trots is to raise money for the community, just like the one taking place in Southport on Thanksgiving. Hosted by the Pequot Runners, the money raised from the run will be donated to non-profits supporting health, human services and youth development.
Students who are volunteering encourage others to do the same and give a helping hand this holiday.
“I think that people should definitely help each other around the holidays because the holiday season is all about gratitude and giving gifts and really enjoying life,” Srihari said.
