Giving is an opportunity to be part of making a difference in the Brentwood community, especially during November's season of "Thanks." Americans generally believe Thanksgiving is modeled on a 1621 harvest feast shared by English colonists (Pilgrims) of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people. Many still celebrate November as the time for counting the blessings of the past year. Following are some locations that accept food donations, monetary funding and volunteers to assist others in need. Group- or neighborhood-led food drives are great ways to quickly contribute.
One unique way to volunteer is through a literacy program managed by the United Way of Greater Nashville: Read Baby Read! volunteers read to infants and toddlers at various sites throughout Nashville on a weekly basis. Volunteers can be matched with a Read to Succeed site that's close to home or work. Phone 615.255.8501 to explore details.
Give Thanks Holiday Meals For Families
Give Thanks Day of Action is a community-wide volunteer effort. Volunteers assist in three ways: 1) Create meal box/es with pre-selected, non-perishable food items for a family of four, and a $25 gift card to Kroger, Walmart or Publix. 2) Run a collection drive in a workplace or community group. Sign up by Nov. 9 to indicate how many estimated boxes may be created. 3) Donate directly to the drive; $75 provides a full Give Thanks box. Completed boxes should be delivered to GEODIS Park (501 Benton Ave., Nashville, TN 37203) on Nov. 16 between 8:30 a.m. and noon.
Email: lindsay.keitel@unitedwaygn.org
615.255.8501
Inspiritus
Inspiritus guides individuals and families on a path from surviving to thriving. Volunteers are needed to unload deliveries and stock the Inspiritus Food Bank every Thursday; this requires lifting up to 30-plus pounds. Additionally, they deliver food to elderly neighbors with physical challenges or no transportation means. Volunteers also maintain 200 Healthy Gardens that serve about 130 households. To volunteer in the group's Refugee & Immigrant Services, contact Indie.Pereira@weinspirit.org.
Email: janet.arning@weinspirit.org
Weinspirit.org
Belleview Community Food Bank
For three decades, this food bank has provided thousands of our neighbors with food and essential items, serving as a 'no judgment zone.' The food bank is built strictly on community donations from individuals, businesses, communities of faith and partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank, BELL Garden, and Cul2vate. Call for food drive details. They offer volunteer opportunities in these areas: administrative/creative; food pick-up/transport; sort and stock; resource specialist; shopper; bag carrier.
foodbank@bumc.com
615.212.9199
Gobble Gobble Give Nashville
Feed the homeless on Thanksgiving. This will be the nonprofit group's eighth year of serving men, women and children in need. Last year, volunteers fed, clothed and gave hope to nearly 5,000 people who were down on their luck. Each volunteer is asked to bring an already heated dish for the potluck meal; five small toiletry items; clothing; and blankets. Volunteers serve as early birds, kitchen crew, conveyor belt crew, boxers, vehicle coordinators, drivers, cleaners and warmers. Questions can be emailed to gggnashville@gmail.com. The group also is collecting for Ukranian aid. Another way to financially contribute is through Smile.Amazon.com when making related online purchases. Amazon will donate 0.5% of those designated purchases to Gobble Gobble Give.
615.870.1790
GobbleGobbleGive.org