Thanksgiving 2018: Turkey, Pies and Giving Back

There’s more to Thanksgiving than stuffing your face with stuffing.  And, I am not talking about football or leftovers.  I’m talking about taking a moment and giving back to the community.  Hopefully, you’re not anything like me and volunteer all year round but if you are similar to myself then here are a few ways to give back this Thanksgiving season in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

Best Ways to Give Back:

1. San Francisco-Marin Food Bank: At the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank you may donate your time and or food.  Hunger is a serious problem.  With every 1 in 4 neighbors at risk the numbers are staggering but with the help of the community, hunger is a solvable problem.
2. SF Turkey Trot: Sadly, the registration for 2018 San Francisco Turkey Trot is now stuffed.  The SF race has reached full runner capacity and is now closed.  However, the race in Marin/North Bay is still open as well as the Turkey Trot in Oakland/East Bay.  If you live down in the Peninsula/South, there are multiple races to join.
3. Glide Foundation in SF: Glide is a social justice movement that is dedicated to strengthening the community and transforming lives.  Located in San Francisco’s vibrant but poverty-stricken Tenderloin neighborhood, Gilde offers comprehensive services and daily free meals.  While you cannot volunteer to serve food on Thanksgiving, you can serve and prep food the weekend before and after Turkey Day.
4. Meals on Wheels: The Meals on Wheels website has many programs available to the public.  Individual volunteers must attend an orientation before joining a program but group volunteering does not require an orientation.  Impactful one-time opportunities include the Home Delivery Grocery Program, Disaster Kit Delivery, and Cardmaking.  So grab your friends and force your family to volunteer this Thanksgiving weekend.

Give Back to Camp Fire Victims

1. Camp Fire Victims: The Camp Fire has destroyed thousands of homes and has displaced thousands of Butte County residents.  While Butte County has received an outpouring of volunteers.  Materials and monetary suggestions are welcomed.
   • Material Donations:
     • Hope Center in Oroville is taking donations of warm jackets, new PJ’s, new undergarments, new pillows, and blankets. An update from the Oroville Hope Center on Tuesday now includes the need for chapsticks, folding chairs, can openers and ice chests. Address: 2850 Feather River Blvd. Olivehurst, CA 95961.
   • Monetary Donations:
     • North Valley Community Foundation – Camp Fire Evacuations Relief Fund
     • GoFundMe has created a roundup of campaigns to raise money for victims

Be Safe!

Please be safe while volunteering during the Thanksgiving season.  As of today, the air quality index is “very unhealthy” at an index that is over 200.  Please wear an N96 Mask while outside and visit our blog post from last week on how to protect your eyes from the smoke.

Happy Thanksgiving from Pacific Eye Associates.  If you can’t give back or volunteer this Thanksgiving season, remember that compliments to your loved ones go a long way.  “One kind word can warm three winter months.” – Japanese Proverb