10 ways to spread the love this Thanksgiving

How do YOU want to share the love?

Thanksgiving is a time to come together to give thanks for all the amazing things God has gifted us over the years.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Traditionally, in the United States, friends and family join together to share an amazing banquet of turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing - but not everyone is blessed enough to enjoy such extravagance.

So what can you do to help bless someone in need this Thanksgiving season?

Here is a list of top 10 ways to give thanks this Thanksgiving:

Feed the hungry

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 15.8 million households were "food insecure" at some time during 2015.

That's 15.8 million households, not individuals.

With so many going hungry right here on U.S. soil, take a few hours from your Thanksgiving celebrations to volunteer at a soup kitchen or join your local community in feeding the hungry.

Help an elderly neighbor or relative

When you are ill or impaired, every little bit helps.

Show you care by helping your an elderly member of your family, community, neighborhood or church.

It can be something as simple as helping them go grocery shopping.

Sometimes, all an elderly person really wants is company. Take them to a movie, read to them, or have a simple conversation over tea.

Extend an invitation

Invite a friend or neighbor who has no family to join your Thanksgiving celebrations.

Sometimes people are unable to visit their loved ones during the holidays.

You already love spending time with them, so why not invite them to your family dinner?

Spread the love.

Hand-write notes to loved ones

In this age of technology, it's easy to send a mass text.

Show the people you love that you truly care.

Grab some stationary and brush up on your penmanship. Write a few hand-written notes for everyone you love.

They'll be touched by the time and effort you put into the thoughtful message.

Donate food or money

There are several charities raising money to provide food for the hungry this Thanksgiving and Christmas season.

If you don't have time to donate this year, try donating groceries or money.

Remember, every little bit helps.

Make and hand out "Blessing Bags"

A blessing bag can have anything from food staples to hygiene products.

You can buy bags at any dollar store and you can get great deals on bulk products at wholesale stores.

Once you put together the bags together, grab some friends and hit the streets! Deliver them to every homeless person you encounter.

Visit a hospital

Hospitals are full year-round. There are plenty of lonely people who would appreciate a quick game of cards, a conversation or a blessing bag!

Offer to help a sibling, parent or guardian

Giving thanks doesn't mean you should only help strangers.

You should also take the time to thank the people you see every single day.

Help your dad with the dishes, fold the laundry for your sister, help your brother work on his homework, teach your mom how to use her new smartphone.

However you help, just remember to take a moment to show your loved ones how much you care.

Donate gently used clothing

For every family that goes hungry, there are families who struggle to purchase clothing.

There are several donation centers that accept gently used or brand new clothing and either offer them for free or sell them at a discount.

Many churches also accept donations, which they give to the less fortunate.

Help at an animal shelter

Animal shelters are in constant need of volunteers.

Many of those poor animals are killed due to overpopulation.

Contact your local shelter and volunteer to help find permanent homes for the animals in need.

If you are lucky enough to have no-kill shelters in your town, volunteer some time to help walk the dogs, pet the lonely cats and clean the cages.

There are so many ways to give thanks this Thanksgiving season. Remember to spread the love and don't forget to thank God for the countless blessings he has bestowed on us all.

Thanks for reading our list.

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