The holiday season can be stressful for lots of folks, but it's especially difficult for seniors, the unhoused, and low-income families. Of course, given the economic turmoil many people are faced with, South Florida food banks and charitable organizations are in dire need of volunteers from Thanksgiving through Christmas. That means there are plenty of volunteering opportunities available for you to spread some holiday cheer to those who are less fortunate.
Here are 7 ways you can volunteer in Miami and surrounding areas this holiday season.
Operation Turkey
Each year, over 30,0000 Operation Turkey volunteers prepare, package and deliver tens of thousands of Thanksgiving meals to the less fortunate around South Florida (and other states)—all within a 4-hour window! No matter where you're located, you can participate in their cause by signing up as a volunteer, fundraising or donating. Click here to sign up and receive more information.
Meals on Wheels South Florida
Meals on Wheels' Thanksgiving Meal Delivery Program is one of the largest and most popular holiday volunteer programs in the country. Each holiday season, thousands of volunteers band together to cook, serve and deliver nutritious food, as well as deliver homemade placemats and freshly cut flowers, to clients who are generally without family on Thanksgiving. As always, if you can spare the time, by all means, sign up!
You don't have to deliver meals, either. The Meals on Wheels program also asks for volunteers to serve meals at any of their nearly 3 dozen senior dining sites, assist in the office, help clients with grocery shopping, or simply donate money. Fill out a volunteer application or get updates on Thanksgiving events at www.mowsoflo.org.
Branches
Each Thanksgiving, hundreds of volunteers join forces to cook, package and deliver over 5,000 meals to families throughout Miami-Dade and Broward on Thanksgiving Day. It's one of the best local nonprofits to find volunteer opportunities for teens.
In addition to these volunteering options, the Branches organization also accepts monetary gifts to support their efforts throughout the year. Register to volunteer for Branches here.
Coral Gables UCC Thanksgiving Volunteering Extravaganza
Spend Thanksgiving morning in the kitchen at the Coral Gables United Church of Christ. You'll be creating Thanksgiving meals, bagged lunches, and putting together shower/hygiene kits that will be passed out to individuals and families throughout Thanksgiving Day.
Financial donations and food supplies are also being accepted. Learn more and sign up at gablesucc.org.
The Pantry of Broward, Inc. Turkey Drive
Every November, The Pantry of Broward promises to deliver over 300 frozen turkeys to their clients. In order to keep that promise, they ask for your help! How? Host a Thanksgiving Turkey Drive, or simply donate as many 10- to 12-pound turkeys as you possibly can, at least 10 days before Thanksgiving Day.
Additionally, you can help The Pantry by donating money or an item for their annual silent auction, select them as a shopping beneficiary through AmazonSmile, or by following and sharing posts from their social media accounts. Get more details here.
The Salvation Army
Volunteers are always in need at the Salvation Army. You can choose to work in the food pantry—about 80 households are served each day—as a food truck assistant or driver, or simply be a bell ringer outside local businesses, churches and schools. Learn more about Salvation Army volunteer positions here.
Joshua's Heart
For 2022, Joshua's Heart is hosting their Thanksgiving Mobile Food Distribution event at the Northside Shopping Center on November 19. Volunteers are needed starting at 8 AM. Visit joshuasheart.org to learn more or sign up.
Happy Thanksgiving from All of Us at Braman Bugatti!
Whether you donate time, food or money this holiday season, everyone here at our Bugatti dealership in Miami wishes you and yours a happy and safe Thanksgiving. As always, if you need to schedule auto service for your vehicle or want to request a quote, please contact a member of our team at (786) 577-5216.