As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us are thinking about our families and the abundance of food that will fill our tables.
But several South Florida nonprofit agencies are asking us this year to share our bounty with people we don’t know but who need us. They want us to donate a few hours to help assemble a meal, knit a blanket or write letters to our troops, all simple activities that can make a recipient feel less alone.
Take a look at the options below and find one that suits your schedule and your desire to give back. Local organizations are making it exceptionally easy this year to connect with our community and the world outside South Florida.
A DAY OF GOOD DEEDS IN BOCA RATON
Mitzvah Day will include a blood drive, craft-making for cancer patients, Thanksgiving basket-packing for Boca Helping Hands, flower arranging for seniors, fitness demonstrations, as well as activities such as building bird feeders and making toys for dogs. Volunteers will be on hand to offer seniors help with tech support.
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 16
WHERE: B’nai Torah Congregation, 6261 SW 18th St., Boca Raton
REGISTER: btcboca.org/mitzvah-day
Arc Culinary
Joel Vázquez, executive chef of Arc Culinary, shows off his Thanksgiving menu in this 2023 file photo. (Arc Culinary/Courtesy)
DONATE A MEAL FROM ARC BROWARD
Arc Culinary is offering a gourmet holiday dinner package for 10 — and the option to help a family in need by purchasing a package for donation. The meal, which costs $235 and serves up to 10 guests, will consist of an oven-roasted whole turkey, Caesar salad, gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce and pecan pie. Arc Culinary is an offshoot of Arc Broward, which supports people with disabilities.
WHEN: Available for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 26
WHERE: Emeril Lagasse Foundation Innovation Kitchen,10250 NW 53rd St., Sunrise
INFORMATION: arcculinary.com/holiday
ASSEMBLE MEALS
Put together and decorate Thanksgiving dinners for local families at this get-together organized by the Kohl Jewish Volunteer Center of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. The Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Mobile Museums of Tolerance, a program dedicated to combating antisemitism and racism, will be on the campus at the same time.
WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 23
WHERE: Temple Beth El, 2815 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach
REGISTER by Nov. 14: temple-israel.com/full-calendar
THANKSGIVING MEAL PREP & DELIVER
Cook and pack Thanksgiving meals for those in need, organized by the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County.
WHEN: Packing days are Nov. 25-26; delivery days are Nov. 27-28
WHERE: The Kind Kitchen of Palm Beach County, 844 Prosperity Farms Road, North Palm Beach
REGISTER: jewishpb.org/volunteer
BICYCLE COLLECTION
Donate new or gently used bikes, tricycles, scooters, skateboards and bike locks to be given to the West Palm Beach-based nonprofit, Jack the Bike Man.
WHEN: Dec. 1-5
WHERE: Mandel Jewish Community Center, 5221 Hood Road, Palm Beach Gardens; and 8500 Jog Road, Boynton Beach
REGISTER: jewishpb.org/volunteer
DONATE SHOES
The “Step Up for Good” Shoe Drive is collecting gently worn, used or new shoes — including sneakers and cleats — for people in developing nations. All shoes must be free of holes, tears and mold to ensure they can be reused and repurposed.
WHEN: Through Friday, Dec. 5
WHERE: Levis Jewish Community Center, 21050 95th Ave. S., Boca Raton
INFORMATION: Visit bit.ly/LevisJCC_ShoeDrive2025 or contact Elaine Riba, director of JCC special events, at 561-852-3264 or elainer@levisjcc.org.