Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and togetherness. But for many in our communities, especially those in hospitals, nursing homes, or shelters, it can also be a time of loneliness, quiet, or feeling forgotten. At The Holiday Project, we believe that one of the most powerful ways to say “thank you” is to give back: offering our presence, our listening ear, and our caring heart.
Why volunteering matters
Behind the seasonal decorations and turkey dinners, there are countless people who don’t have someone to sit with them this Thanksgiving. According to one article by UT Dallas Magazine, volunteering typically increases by around 50% during November and December, yet many older adults still face isolation during this season. And in senior living or hospice settings, the impact of volunteers is profound: in another recent write‑up by Activated Insights volunteers contributed billions of hours and an estimated economic value of tens of billions of dollars in the U.S., showing how meaningful the gift of time can be.
Real moments, real impact
Here’s what’s coming up with our work and partners:
At our upcoming event, “Thanksgiving Visit at Regency Care” on November 22, volunteers will sit down with residents who might otherwise spend the day without a visitor. They’ll share stories, laughter, and meaningful moments — and in doing so, give more than just a smile.
Volunteers often tell us: “I arrive thinking I might give a small moment of comfort — but I leave feeling I’ve received far more by simply connecting.”
Residents often express that even small gestures mean the world: “The meal is nice, but what stays with me most is that someone came in and simply talked with me. I felt seen.”
These upcoming visits are exactly why we raise our hands to help and why we show up — because connection matters.
Giving Tuesday
This year we are setting our sights on something even bigger. With GivingTuesday on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, we’re combining the spirit of Thanksgiving with an opportunity for generosity. Giving Tuesday is a global movement that encourages people everywhere to give their time, their talent, or a donation to support causes they care about. In the U.S. alone, the most recent campaign raised $3.6 billion and engaged over 36 million people.
By aligning with Giving Tuesday, we invite you to not only volunteer but also to help us raise the funds we need to expand our outreach this holiday season.
How you can help
- Volunteer your time. Sign up now to participate in our upcoming visits or events. Your presence could be the highlight of someone’s Thanksgiving. → HolidayProject.net
- Make a donation. Your gift helps us organize visits, support residents in nursing homes or shelters, and make sure no one spends the holiday feeling invisible.
- Spread the word. Share this story with your friends, family, and colleagues. Challenge them to join you in volunteering or donating on Giving Tuesday.
A last word of gratitude
When you volunteer, you give more than you might think. You give hope, you give connection, you give a memory — maybe the most meaningful one someone has this holiday. So this year let’s give thanks by giving back. Let’s make Thanksgiving about more than food or tradition; let’s make it about presence, care, and community. And let’s use Giving Tuesday as a moment to amplify that care so many more people feel included, remembered, and loved.
Thank you for being part of this mission. Because of you, more hearts will feel the warmth of connection this season.
Warmly,
The Team at The Holiday Project