North by Northwestern

The ~holiday season~ basically started the day after Halloween, but with Thanksgiving season in full swing, we’re officially in full-fledged holiday mode. We know what Thanksgiving break means: eager freshmen get to go home for the first time, everyone eats too much pumpkin pie and you’re probably going to watch the Thanksgiving special of your favorite show (season one episode nine of Gossip Girl perhaps?). But while Thanksgiving is a time to indulge and enjoy the company of loved ones, it’s also a time to reflect on what we’re thankful for and put that gratitude into action. We’ve made it easy for you to give back to the community by compiling these Thanksgiving community service opportunities around Chicago:

Thanksgiving is basically synonymous for food – and lots of it. Before you stuff yourself with candied yams, consider donating to a food drive this Thanksgiving:

When: Nov. 15-22

Where: 4920 N. Central Ave Suite 2C Chicago, IL 60630 (And two other locations outside of Chicago.)

Donate food or register to volunteer at the food drive

When: Nov. 17 and 18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: 435 N. Weber Rd Plainfield, IL 60544

When: Nov. 15-18

Where: 3500 Washington St, McHenry, Illinois 60050

If for whatever reason you aren’t going home for Thanksgiving, you don’t have to spend all day in your dorm. Consider spending Thanksgiving Day volunteering to serve meals to underserved communities.

“Every year we serve our 400 residents in transitional housing a beautiful Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, and we would love for you to join us for this heart-warming tradition. This is a very popular event, so spots are limited. Please RSVP by Friday, October 20 in order to reserve your spot!”

When: Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018

Time: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where: 2750 W Roosevelt Rd. Chicago, IL 60608

More Information: https://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3011732.jsp

“Grasmere Residential Home provides extended stay nursing care to individuals with varying of mental / physical disabilities. Numbers of volunteers needed: 30-40 at least.”

When: Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018

Time: 10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Grasmere Residential Home 4621 North Sheridan Road Chicago, IL 60640

If you want to preemptively burn off all the mashed potatoes you’re going to eat on Thanksgiving, consider running in a 5K for charity. If fitness isn’t your thing, you can volunteer to help operate a 5k instead.

When: Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018

Where: 6900 N. Lincoln Avenue Lincolnwood, IL 60712

“Volunteers are the cornerstone of any race and we need your help for the Winnetka Turkey Trot 5k! We would love to have you, a family, a corporation, a group, anyone! The more the merrier!”

When: Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, Nov. 22, 2018

Time: Various shifts

Where: 1065 Gage St Winnetka, IL 60093