Ways to Express Gratitude This Thanksgiving Season
by Mia Shelton
Fall has truly blessed us this year with gorgeous arrays of color blooming from trees and colder weather to snuggle up in. With the fall season creeping closer to winter, our favorite holiday season is upon us. With Halloween gone, Thanksgiving is the next holiday preparing for celebration. While Thanksgiving has a devious connotation, those who may not celebrate can use this holiday to express gratitude within their communities.
Giving back helps communities that might not have access to important resources. Now that the seasons are changing, the temperature will decrease. When switching clothes out for the winter weather, assess your items and consider what is donatable. Donating to Goodwill is always an acceptable option. Donating to local clothing drives ensures people receive the goods they deserve for themselves and their families. Parting with clothes can be difficult, especially when there are memories tied to them. A memory lasts forever, while clothes and fashion are ever-changing. Mrs. Dorsey’s Community Clothes Closet on 825 Colorado Street is a good place to drop off your valued items in the local area. If it is hard to let go, remember you are passing the love of the item forward. Someone else will get as much joy, if not more, from your generosity.
Around Roanoke College campus, find ways to support fellow students. This will keep spirits high around campus, create a stronger sense of community and you might even learn a thing or two along the way. For example, on November 14, here is a Diversity Dine-In in the Wortmann Ballroom. Expand your understanding and find ways to support all backgrounds. Leaving notes of encouragement for fellow Maroons to find or slipping a note under your neighbor’s door could add a smile to someone’s rainy day.
Make giving back fun! Gather some friends and take a trip to Dollar Tree. Buy a few cases of soup or other nonperishables to donate to food drives. Carpool to spare the environment and enjoy the spirits. Salem Food Pantry is a non-profit organization located on 829 Indiana Street. Most churches will accept food donations as well. If you are truly passionate about giving back, gather your friends and campaign for donations to a favored organization. The Roanoke Diversity Center helps the LGBTQ community and is always accepting volunteers.
Wherever this holiday season takes you, try and keep others in mind. It is safe to say this gleeful time of year is equally as stressful. Expressing gratitude will always benefit yourself at the end of the day. Have a warm season of giving!
