As always when Thanksgiving draws near, I think about really good food. I think about the gravy my mom makes and the desserts my sister hides from everyone. I think about the one time my cousin helped mashed the potatoes which he will be remembered forever as his contribution to the meal. 

I think about the last-minute shopping I will do because no matter how well my family plans, there is always one item missing. We will check all the groceries we bought and the back of the cupboards next to the random vegetable cans from two years until we’ve exhausted all the other options and need to run to the store. 

Thanksgiving is more than just amazing food and quality time with our families as everyone knows. It’s about appreciating what you have. I want to take it a step further this year. As my family makes our Thanksgiving meal shopping lists and checks our cupboards for food, I’m going to take out the extra we have. Any non-perishable food items extra, I plan to donate to one of the local food pantries. 

I challenge you to think about how you can use your advantages to help someone else without them. Donate clothes, food, toiletries, old furniture, etc. Even more so donate time. Help these amazing organizations helping local people. 

“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” — Sherry Anderson.

There are so many people and families without basic needs. Take a few moments, consider your privileges and how you can use them to help someone else. Not just this holiday season but all year round. 

— Angie Maag is a reporter for the Times and can be reached at amaag@themonroetimes.com.