For many, Thanksgiving is about serving others. Here are 5 volunteer opportunities in OKC
As Thanksgiving approaches, and Christmas not far behind, opportunities abound for people to give back to their community.
Some want to donate money or items, while others love to give their time to causes that are important to them.
This month, there are plenty of ways to help those in need enjoy the holiday.
Salvation Army Thanksgiving meal
When: Nov. 23
Where: 1001 N Pennsylvania Ave
What: Every year the Salvation Army provides a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on the day of the holiday. To sign up as a volunteer, fill out the online form.
YMCA Thanksgiving Meal Drive
When: Nov. 5 through Nov. 20
Where: The Edward L. Gaylord Downtown YMCA, Midwest City YMCA, North Side YMCA, Rockwell Plaza YMCA, or the YMCA Healthy Living Center at Integris
What: Oklahoma YMCA locations are accepting food and monetary donations to help create Thanksgiving meals for Oklahoma City Housing Authority residents.
Foods needed include mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, canned vegetables, cornbread, no-bake desserts, Jell-O and pudding mix, cranberry sauce, rice, beans and salt and pepper.
Unopened, shelf-stable and unexpired food, as well as gift cards and cash donations to purchase turkeys, can be dropped off at the above YMCA locations until Nov. 20.
City Center Thanksgiving Celebration
When: From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 18
Where: 5731 NW 41 in Warr Acres
What: City Center is hosting a free Thanksgiving meal for families in the metro area. There will be inflatables, games, free clothing, food boxes, coat giveaways and more.
To help out ahead of time, you can drop off non-perishable goods or extra winter gear at 5731 NW 41 in Warr Acres.
To volunteer at the Thanksgiving meal, sign up at okcitycenter.org/events
Scatter Kindness Thanksgiving meal for homeless
When: 11 a.m. on Nov. 18
Where: Sheridan Circle behind McDonald's at 1004 W Sheridan
What: The Scatter Kindness Foundation provides a hot meal to Oklahoma City's unhoused population on the third Saturday of each month.
This month they will be serving a Thanksgiving meal along with snacks and hygiene items. To volunteer, join the "Scatter Kindness Volunteers" Facebook group.
Cookies and Scotty's Thanksgiving
When: Various times Nov. 20 through Nov. 23
Where: 2824 N Pennsylvania in Oklahoma City
What: Cookie and Scotty's Thanksgiving provides Thanksgiving meals to the families of individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
Volunteers are needed to cook and prepare the food, as well as deliver on Thanksgiving Day. Sign up to volunteer here.
Know of a volunteer opportunity this month we left out? Feel free to email jhayes@oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: When and where to volunteer this Thanksgiving in OKC
