Volunteers In Philadelphia Region Give Thanks By Giving Back
By Pat Loeb
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Most people think food when they think Thanksgiving. Some think shopping. But many think volunteering.
Donating time and effort to others is a time-honored Thanksgiving tradition.
Fourteen-year-old Jade is off from school, but she didn't sleep in. She joined her mother and dozens of other volunteers preparing dinners-for-take-out from the Salvation Army at 13th and Brown Streets in North Philadelphia.
"I like to see the smile on people's faces," she said, "and it's like fun to do."
It's an example set by her mother, Sandra.
"Absolutely. You have to help them realize there are others out there who need help," she said, "so whatever we can do, that's what we need to do. I love doing this."
Tom Gregory coordinates volunteers for Bright Hope Baptist Church's turkey dinner for the community. He had so many offers of help, he had to turn some away.
"I think it's really great that people would come out to give of their time today," he said. "People wake up on Thanksgiving Day and want to give back because they're appreciative of what they've received. But if we made this Thanksgiving life, every day would be Thanksgiving."
Check Out These Other Stories: