What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? This holiday season is a time that embodies gratitude, kindness and generosity. Giving back is a vital lesson that, once implemented, can become a long-lasting family tradition. Making a contribution to the greater good is an important part of Thanksgiving.  We all personally take this time of year to ask ourselves what are we grateful for and how can give back this holiday season? We answer with kindness and gratitude to our family friends and community by giving back.

How can you give back this year to your local community? Whether you’d like to volunteer, make a donation or perform random acts of kindness, here are some great ways you can spread generosity and gratitude in the community this holiday season.

  • Food Lion Holiday Food Boxes (All Locations) Next time you find yourself shopping for groceries head over to a local Food Lion on the beach. While checking out you will see Food Lion is selling Holiday Food Boxes in donation to all of the Outer Banks Food Pantries this holiday season. Food Lion is also accepting non-perishable items as well to include for donation.
  • Angel Gift program     The Outer Banks Woman’s Club in partnership with Dare County Department of Health and Human Resources sponsor the Angel Gift Program. The Angel Gift Program aids Dare County children whose parents require assistance this holiday season. This charitable project ensures that eligible children have a complete holiday with requested toys and other needed items. https://gfwc-obwc.com/what-we-do
  • Beach Food Pantry Real change starts with you. You have the power to donate your time or money to positively impact the lives of everyone we serve this holiday season. The Beach Food Pantry located in Kitty Hawk is accepting non-perishable donations. Looking to volunteer and donate your time? The Beach Food Pantry also welcomes volunteers to help pick up donations, stock and distribute donations. Beachfoodpantry.org
  • Foxy flamingo This year Foxy Flamingo is having food drive. Accepting donations of non-perishables and you will receive 20% your bill.
  • Pay it forward One of the easiest ways to spread kindness and generosity to a stranger this holiday season is by paying it forward. During the holiday season, the next drive-thru you go to for a cup of coffee or lunch, pay for the person behind you. You’ll leave knowing you made a difference and made that persons day! An extra plus is usually when you pay it forward many will continue and pay for the next persons order behind them! Not only did you give back but this random act continues through others generosity as well.
  • Outer Banks SPCA     Looking to spread some holiday cheer and kindness to animals this year? The OBX SPCA always welcomes volunteers at their local shelter in Manteo. Volunteer as a family and socialize with the SPCA animals this holidays season. Before stopping in to volunteer stop by a local pet store as donations are accepted and needed for their furry four legged friends. From blankets, towels, sheets, cat litter, dog and cat toys to much more! Head over to http://www.obxspca.org/other-ways-to-give for a full list or call OBX SPCA at 252.475.5620
  • Tips Another easy way to spread gratitude and generosity during the holidays is to increase your tip amount 50-100% on your bill. The next time you find yourself out at a local restaurant write a simple note wishing your server a happy holidays and give them the gift of generosity, not only making their day but their holiday season as well.
  • Roanoke Island Food Pantry Roanoke Island Food Pantry located in Manteo is accepting non-perishable donations. The Food Pantry also has an easily accessible drop box at the Manteo Library. Volunteers are always needed to help sort and stock donations as well as help hand out food during the holidays.
  • Outer Banks Common Good Kill Devil Hills Holiday Collections Drive Help give a family a Thanksgiving meal at the Outer Banks Common Good. The Town of Kill Devil Hills is collecting donations to benefit the Outer Banks Food Pantry & the Food Pantry of Eastern NC. The Eastern NC Food Pantry assists 34 counties, which were left devastated by Hurricane Florence. Donations are also being accepted for our local animal shelters. Please consider donating to these causes, this holiday season. November 14 through December 19.  There are three Kill Devil Hills drop off locations: Main Entrance KDH Town Hall: 102 Town Hall Drive, KDH Recycle Center: 701 Bermuda Bay Blvd. , KDH Fire Department: 1634 N. Croatan Hwy For more information please contact Rachel@kdhnc.com or (252) 449-5300 https://obxcommongood.org/kill-devil-hills-holiday-collections-drive/
  • BK Shuckers BK Shuckers will be offering free Thanksgiving Dinner for the 6th year. They  will also be collecting donations for the Beach Food Pantry during the traditional meal, but donations are not required. Volunteers are needed this holiday season delivering Thanksgiving plates to elderly, homebound, or anyone who cannot make it to the restaurant. 252-261-7800