Volunteering on Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be an all-day affair.  All of the following ideas can be done in just a few hours, so that you’re back in time to eat turkey with the fam.  And watch NFL…and maybe see Life of Pi…and take a nap. If you couldn't tell, we’re pretty psyched for Turkey Day ourselves. :)

1. Serve dinner at a homeless shelter:  Homeless shelters need volunteers to prepare and serve meals for those without a home.  Whether or not you're handy with a frying pan, homeless shelters appreciate the extra help. Check out The National Coalition for the Homeless [2] or The Salvation Army [3] for ideas on where to help out. 
2. Deliver a meal:  If you have a car (or if you can borrow a car from the rents’) consider volunteering with a local Meals on Wheels [4] program to bring a hot dinner to those who aren’t able to join family or friends.  
3. Run a Turkey Trot:  Turkey Trots are races that often benefit local charities, planned for on or around Thanksgiving.  Not only are these runs for a good cause, but they’re also a way to burn calories – which means you can definitely have that second piece of pumpkin pie. 
4. Invite a Neighbor or Classmate:  Perhaps you know someone who may not be having a holiday meal.  Invite them to have Thanksgiving dinner with your family. 
5. Take Dishes to Public Service People:  Thanksgiving is just another working day for public service people.  Take a few dishes to the local fire station or police department for the people on duty.  If you live in a small town, you could even call the non-emergency dispatch number and let the dispatcher know that anyone on duty is welcome to stop by your home for a hot meal. (Just check with your family first, or this could turn into one of the crazier Modern Family episodes.) 
6. Visit a Hospital:  Visit a local hospital and spend time with the sick patients there.  Make sure to call in advance (or go online) to find out about volunteer policies [5].  Worried that entertaining strangers will be awkward turtle (or should we say, awkward turkey)?  Think of a specific activity you could do with the patients.  For example, you could bring a picture book about Thanksgiving to read in the children’s ward.    
7. Visit a Retirement Home:  Elderly people often spend T-Day without their family, especially if their kids live far away.  Help ease their loneliness by visiting them and spreading the Thanksgiving cheer. 

Eat smarter on Thanksgiving. GO [6]