Giving Thanks, Giving Back: How You Can Help This Season

Like many of you, I have plenty of things to be thankful for this season. I have a wonderful family, great friends, a job I love (with the very best readers!), good health, a nice place to call home and, in a little bit, a Thanksgiving feast in my belly.

Life is good.

But it isn't good for everyone. Some people struggle, some people need help. Some families this season will go without presents, food, proper clothing, heat, shelter. It shouldn't be this way – especially not during the holidays.

So, in the spirit of giving, we're going to show you one way you can give back every day from Thanksgiving until Christmas.

For the next 30 days, Patch will show you ways to spread holiday cheer past your front porch by helping people and organizations across Oakland County. There are hundreds of supportive nonprofit groups in the area with heartwarming missions; we hope one – or several – will strike a chord with Patch readers.

If you know of a local charity or group that is doing something wonderful this season, please email jen.anesi@patch.com and let me know, or simply leave a comment below.

You can also post your volunteer needs directly on Oakland Township Patch. Click "More" in the blue bar at the top of the page, then pull down the menu to "Volunteer." Select "Need a Volunteer" and enter the relevant information; your announcement will post on Patch and will also be included in our morning email newsletter, which is sent every Oakland Township Patch subscriber.

We hope you'll take part in this 30 Days of Giving and take the spirit beyond the holidays, because there is need all year long.

Thank you, and enjoy this wonderful season of giving!

Coming tomorrow: Help spread holiday cheer by donating a new, unwrapped toy to Toys for Tots.