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November is a good time to slow down for a minute and think about what we are thankful for.

Thanksgiving is coming, and for many of us that means family, good food, traditions, and gathering around the table.

It can also be a good time to look beyond our own homes and ask:

Is there someone in my community who could use a little help?

That help doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. And it doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time.

Sometimes it starts with simply paying attention.

Look Around Your Community

There are people and organizations in our communities doing good things all year long.

You may already know about a local food pantry, community organization, church, veterans’ organization, school, animal shelter, or fundraiser that could use some help.

Maybe they need donations.

Maybe they need volunteers.

Maybe they need people to share information about what they are doing.

And sometimes the need is much closer to home.

A neighbor may need a hand with something. Someone who lives alone might appreciate a visit or phone call. A family you know may be having a harder time than they let on.

You don’t always have to look very far to find a way to help.

Give What Fits Your Life

I know that not everyone has extra money to give. November brings plenty of expenses of its own, especially with Christmas coming.

That’s why I think it’s important to remember that giving is not one-size-fits-all.

You might be able to:

• Add a few needed items to your grocery cart.
• Donate something you already have.
• Give a small amount to a local organization.
• Volunteer your time.
• Help with a community fundraiser.
• Buy from a local business.
• Share information about a local organization.
• Check on a neighbor or offer a helping hand.

And if this isn’t a season when you have extra time or money, that’s okay too.

There are plenty of ways to be kind that don’t cost anything.

Give Where You Already Are

One of the easiest ways to make giving a little easier is to look for opportunities that fit into things you are already doing.

You’re already going grocery shopping.

You’re already running errands.

You’re already buying Christmas gifts.

You’re already out in your community.

Maybe there is a fundraiser you can support while you’re there. Maybe you can pick up one requested item during your regular grocery trip. Maybe you can choose a local business for one of your holiday purchases.

You don’t have to add another complicated project to your calendar.

Sometimes you can help simply by making a slightly different choice while doing something you were already going to do.

Don’t Forget the People Close to Home

When we think about giving, it’s easy to think about organizations first.

But sometimes the person who needs encouragement or a helping hand is someone we already know.

A friend.

A neighbor.

An older family member.

A single parent.

Someone who is having a difficult year.

You may never know how much a meal, a phone call, or a little help with something around the house means to someone.

You don’t have to make a big production out of it.

Sometimes a simple “How are you doing?” is where it starts.

This Thanksgiving, Look for One Opportunity

You don’t have to solve every problem in your community.

You don’t have to donate to every fundraiser.

You don’t have to volunteer for every opportunity that comes your way.

Pick one thing.

One person you can help.

One local organization you can support.

One item you can donate.

One hour you can give.

One local business you can choose.

One kindness you can offer.

Small things can matter.

As we get closer to Thanksgiving, I hope we can take a little time to be thankful for what we have—and look for an opportunity to share some of that kindness with someone else.

Give thanks. Give where you can. And remember that sometimes the best place to start is right in your own community.

What Can You Do?

Take a look around your own community this month. Is there one person, organization, or local business you can support?

You don’t have to do something big. Start with one small thing you can do.

And if you know of a local organization or community need that deserves some attention, I’d love to hear about it. It may be something I can share here at Candy Foote Club and help spread the word.