By: Arnica Lande
As we enter November, the lure of the holidays is ever present. With higher COVID vaccination rates, Americans are ready to gather once again to embrace loved ones and give thanks for the simple privilege of celebrating in person rather than over computers and phones. We’ve learned a lot while living through a pandemic, so there’s even more to be grateful for this year, particularly a newfound understanding of the importance of cherishing quality time together. While a lot of us are fortunate enough to have families and the resources to give thanks in style (hello stuffing, wine, and a cozy bed to pass out in after the festivities), there are many Americans who don’t have similar access and support. This month, consider giving back to your community, especially those who need it most. Denver has many different opportunities – with little to no time commitment – that will make someone else’s holiday season a little brighter. Here are just a few:
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Sign up for the Gratitude Challenge at Fierce45! During the month of November, take 12 classes in 30 days, all for a great cause. It’s $10 to sign up and 100% of proceeds are donated to Urban Peak, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless youths, whether you complete the challenge or not. If you do take all 12 classes, Fierce45 will double the contribution to $20, so either way it’s a win! If you plan on taking classes this month, this is a simple way to give to an organization while doing something you planned to, anyway. Sign up in-studio by scanning the QR code on the Gratitude Challenge flyer, or check out our website: https://www.fierce45.com/gratitude-challenge.
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Take a Fierce45 Donation class on Thanksgiving morning. Each studio will be running classes, free to sign up with a suggested donation of any amount. Again, all proceeds benefit Urban Peak. Follow along on our Fierce45 Instagram for information on how to donate, even if you can’t attend on Thanksgiving Day!
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Donate a Turkey through Denver Rescue Mission and their Operation Turkey Drive. They have volunteer opportunities if you prefer helping in-person, or you can contribute a dollar amount if you’re short of time. A super simple and quick but effective way to give back on the holiday!
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Not interested in eating Turkey on Thanksgiving? Then donate $35 to save one from Farm Sanctuary. There, you can symbolically ‘adopt’ a Turkey and know that your aid goes to helping provide for rescued Turkeys. They even have a quiz you can take to see which rescued farm turkey is most like you, because hey, turkeys have feelings too!
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Check out Food Bank of the Rockies. With a simple donation of $1, you can help provide meals for 4 families.
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Share the love with those who you love! At Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or really any event this upcoming holiday season, choose an organization that everyone attending can donate to. You can even collect donations to simplify and give to an organization in one chunk. This can be a great way for everyone to give back that’s simple and only requires one person in charge to lead the effort.
Most of us are incredibly lucky that we don’t have to think about the cost of an overindulgent meal, or that we can safely gather with our loved ones near and far to celebrate. For a lot of people, that isn’t the case. The pandemic has provided a new and deeper meaning to the word “gratitude”, forcing us to slow down and cherish the quality time we spend with family and friends. There is even more to be thankful for this season, so whether it be through your workout classes you already have scheduled, a weekend volunteer opportunity, or simply a minute of your day donating a small amount to a good cause, consider giving back to others in the community this season so they can experience the joy of what many see as a small comfort.