Ways to Express Gratitude - Volunteering

Did you know that gratitude helps us feel more positive emotions, improves our health, and builds stronger relationships? Even though we all have people we are thankful for, the best ways to express our gratitude might not always be apparent. Below are some great ways to show gratitude through volunteering!

 Where You Can Volunteer to Show Gratitude

There’s nothing like Thanksgiving to bring people together and remind us what we can be thankful for in our lives. The best way to get into the spirit is by volunteering in your community and giving back to others.

• Cradles to Crayons Boston
  155 No. Beacon St., Brighton
  Cradles to Crayons is a national nonprofit organization that helps poor children and battles teen poverty. Yes, everything from cradles to crayons to clothing is collected by the charity, which has its headquarters in Boston, and given to local kids who are in need. Cradles to Crayons Boston’s Giving Factory is always seeking volunteers—individuals and groups— to help sort and inspect donated items and package them for delivery to the community. Fill out the quick inquiry form here, and a volunteer coordinator will be in touch.

• Greater Boston Food Bank
  70 South Bay Ave., Boston
  The Greater Boston Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in New England. It provided approximately 62 million pounds of food to families in need last year, serving all of eastern Massachusetts. Volunteers are required to help with packaging food boxes for seniors, sorting nonperishable grocery items, and inspecting fresh bread and veggies. Opportunities exist for both groups and individuals. To apply, fill out this quick form.

• Boston Rescue Mission
  39 Kingston St., Boston
  The Boston Rescue Mission’s tagline is “Transforming Lives at Risk.” Since 1899, it has been doing just that by providing a variety of emergency and recovery programs to empower and support Boston’s homeless community become more self-sufficient. The nonprofit serves hungry and homeless adults in the Greater Boston area with emergency overnight shelter and hot meals, toiletries, and bathroom and shower facilities. There are also residential recovery programs for women and men transitioning from homelessness to independent living, for adult men who have been sober for at least 30 days, and for veterans who have been continuously homeless for more than a year. The organization needs volunteers in a variety of areas, from administrative support and preparing and serving meals to maintenance, driving, and more. To apply, fill out this online form.

• More Than Words
  242 East Berkeley St., 2nd floor, Boston
  More than Words is a combination bookstore and job training and youth development program that works with young adults in the Greater Boston area who are in the foster care system, homeless, out of school, or involved in the court system. It empowers them to work and earn money at its two bookstore locations. More than Words provides training in leadership skills, customer service, technology, and more. Volunteers form relationships with these youth by working alongside them in the bookstore, offering interview and résumé tutoring, and more. Those interested must make a weekly commitment and should contact volunteer@MTWyouth.org.

• Friday Night Supper
  351 Boylston St., Boston
  Everyone deserves dignity, and this program makes sure everyone gets it – at least once a week. Every Friday evening, you can help serve a delicious, homemade meal to the 6 community with dignity and grace. Volunteers are needed for kitchen and crew. You’ll need to attend an orientation first. Find out more here.

• Haley House
  23 Dartmouth St., Boston
  Roxbury and the South End both host soup kitchens run by Haley House. Volunteers at this location are frequently local college students who return home for breaks, so they need help with meal preparation and serving, especially over the holidays. Haley House has many opportunities for individuals to volunteer in their soup kitchen, food pantry, and Take Back the Kitchen cooking classes. Sometimes, they also engage volunteers in their farm and garden, as well as for special events.

• Christopher’s Haven
  One Emerson Place, Suite 2N, Boston
  Children with cancer and their families can stay at Christopher's Haven for a reasonable price, especially when they are between hospital appointments. Many of these patients and their families receive support from others who are in comparable circumstances. The organization advises group volunteering activities like holding an arts and crafts day or arranging a birthday party for one of the kids if you're interested in working with families.