Giving more than thanks: Where to volunteer this Thanksgiving season

As November rolls in, Memphis fills with cozy fires, family gatherings, and reminders to be thankful. 🍁 But gratitude isn’t just a feeling – it’s something you can put into action. This Thanksgiving season, trade your shopping cart for a volunteer badge and help lift up our community. 🙏 Here are five ways to turn thankfulness into service this November:

Court Watch Session

Every Weekday | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Just City’s Court Watch program empowers volunteers to observe court proceedings in Shelby County, holding the justice system accountable and ensuring public access stays public. Volunteers are trained on what to expect and how to observe courtroom behavior. You’ll take notes, document patterns, and help shine a light on what’s happening behind closed doors. This is a unique way to advocate for fairness and serve your city in a deeply meaningful way.

Support the Hospitality Hub’s Resume Building Program

Every Wednesday |  10:00 a.m. to Noon

Put your skills to work helping others build their future. In this volunteer role, you’ll sit down one-on-one with guests to create or polish their resumes. Your guidance ensures each person walks away with a professional, printed resume – and the confidence to take the next step in their job search.

Carpenter Art Garden’s Community and Garden Clean-Up

Saturday, November 8 | 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Spend a crisp Saturday morning in Binghampton with Carpenter Art Garden, picking up litter, clearing debris, and maintaining the gardens that feed the community. Take part in simple, hands-on work that creates visible change right where you live. All supplies are provided – just bring your energy, comfortable clothes, and maybe a thermos of hot coffee.

Memphis Hope Summit

Thursday, November 13 | 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Be part of building a hope-centered Memphis! As an event support volunteer with Agape, you’ll help ensure this inspiring day runs smoothly. This one-day gathering brings together leaders and organizations from every sector to learn, collaborate, and take practical steps toward a stronger, more hopeful city. Your support will help create a seamless experience for attendees as we work together to make Memphis a place where every child, family, and community can flourish.

VOLUNcheers! with Wolf River Conservancy

Wednesday, November 19  |  5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Raise a glass for good at this happy hour with a purpose! Each month, Volunteer Odyssey (Memphis’s hub for volunteer connection) spotlights a local nonprofit doing incredible work in our city. This month, we’re meeting on the Greenway to explore the story and impact of the Wolf River Conservancy and pitch in on a small project to support their mission. Connect with new friends, learn something new about your city, and sip local beer and wine while you give back.

Thanksgiving Food Pantry With Friends for All

Thursday, November 27 (or most other days!)  |  10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

You’ll help ensure local families have access to fresh, nutritious food. Work alongside a friendly team to sort and pack donations, stock shelves, and unload deliveries from community partners. Every hour you serve helps keep our pantry running smoothly and our shelves full for those who need it most.

This time of year, we reflect on what we’re grateful for, but true gratitude shines brightest when it’s shared. 🤝

➡️ Find your pathway to purpose this Thanksgiving season at Volunteer Odyssey’s full volunteer calendar.