Looking to give back? Here's 4 places to volunteer on Thanksgiving 2021

Ian Robinson, Monroe News-Star
·3 min read

For some, giving thanks also means giving back.

If you're looking to volunteer on Thanksgiving, some local organizations will be providing Thanksgiving meals to those who would otherwise go without and could use your help.

Due to the pandemic, many organizations who typically host the less fortunate on Thanksgiving decided to forgo preparing and distributing meals out of safety concerns this year, but there are some who will be serving others on Thanksgiving and wouldn't mind an extra helping hand:

Renewal Center

The Renewal Center of Northeast Louisiana, 720 Adam St., will be hosting their Thanksgiving dinner Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Executive director Billy Varner said volunteers are more than welcome to assist year round.

"It's not necessary bringing food because I don't like to highlight Christmas and Thanksgiving," Varner said. "We need volunteers throughout the year. We don't just on Thanksgiving and Christmas even though people traditionally feel like that's the time of year they feel like giving. The services we provide are all year round."

For more information on how to volunteer or assist with the Renewal Center, call (318) 373-7539.

The Renewal Center of Northeast Louisiana, formerly called DeSiard Street Shelter, operates in the 700 block of Adams Street in Monroe.
The Renewal Center of Northeast Louisiana, formerly called DeSiard Street Shelter, operates in the 700 block of Adams Street in Monroe.

Community Soup Kitchen

Granny's Community Soup Kitchen, 219 Plum Street, will be opening its doors to the hungry on Thanksgiving starting at 11:30 a.m.

More: Have you seen a statue wearing a scarf in Monroe? Knitters are crafting items for the homeless

Feed the Forgotten

Feed the Forgotten will be distributing plates under the Lea Joyner Bridge beside New York Furniture, 625 DeSiard St. starting at noon.

Preparations for the plates will start 8 a.m. at Doe's Eat Place of Monroe, 300 Washington Street. Meals will also be delivered to the elderly and disabled. Distribution of the plates will be contingent upon the weather, according to nonprofit founder Justin Ward.

"It's supposed to be 80% rain but if by chance it doesn't rain, we'll be downtown" Ward said. "If it does we'll be here at Doe's."

The local nonprofit was founded in 2015 after the closures of the local Salvation Army chapters in 2017 and 2018.

"Me and a coworker were like 'Where are these people going to get something to eat?'," Ward said. "We decided to step up and provide meals out of our own pockets and we bought all of the food we needed and the sides and got people to donate some stuff and put meals together for the less fortunate. We were delivering to the disabled and the elderly."

In addition to providing meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas, the nonprofit also provides clothing, blankets and toys. If you want to get involved, donate or reserve a meal on Thanksgiving, contact Ward at 318-348-5650.

Greater New Antioch Baptist Church

Greater New Antioch Baptist Church, 301 Sherrouse Ave., will be distributing plates on Thursday at 9 a.m. Volunteers are encouraged to come at 8 a.m. to prepare for distribution.

Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.

Support local journalism by subscribing at https://cm.thenewsstar.com/specialoffer.

This article originally appeared on Monroe News-Star: Where to volunteer on Thanksgiving 2021