In my reflection of November on Thursday, I talked a bit about gratitude. Today, while many are going to enjoy fall activities of seeing families, playing or watching football, catching up on reading, applepicking, and other fall favorites, and getting ready for Thanksgiving, I will be at my church, and have been since about seven-thirty in the morning for our second annual morning of service.

At last count, we have over three hundred volunteers who will be helping out at nursing homes, Habitat for Humanity, the local city mission, day cares, and creating projects at the church to be given out to a variety of places like Ronald McDonald House, Operation Christmas Child, and other local charities.

There are many ways that we all give back for what we are lucky enough to have. We donate clothes, food, money, and time in all kinds of ways.

One organization that has helped my family and many, many others is the St. Vincent de Paul Society with the Catholic Church. If you want to donate money, time, or items, contact your local  Catholic Church, and ask them how.

A second organization that comes highly recommended to me is Catholic Charities.

In many cases, you do not have to be Catholic to utilize their services, and you most definitely do not need to be Catholic to donate to them.

My favorite group to help and support is Random Acts. They are the epitome of teaching that each of us can do a little, and it all adds up. Small gestures mean big things to many.

This year, in particular, I would recommend Hispanic Federation. They take care of all kinds of needs, but especially this year, they are doing important work for Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Help them if you can.

And if you can’t help these groups directly, please share their names and contact information on your social media accounts so that others may help if they are able.

Thank you for all that you do.