Thankful in Nashville: How to Give Back This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving in Nashville isn’t just about turkey, football, and family—it’s also a time to pause and give thanks by giving back. As the city lights up with gratitude and community spirit, countless local organizations open their doors to those who want to lend a hand. Whether it’s serving a warm meal, donating essentials, or simply sharing kindness with a neighbor in need, there are so many ways to make this season of gratitude a little brighter for everyone.
This year, instead of just counting your blessings, consider spreading them. From preparing dinner at a local rescue mission to supporting food drives and community outreach events, here are a few meaningful ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in true Nashville style—by giving back.
Nashville Rescue Mission
Did you know that just $3.11 will pay for one much-needed Thanksgiving dinner for someone at Nashville Rescue Mission? There are volunteer opportunities almost every day of the year at both downtown locations of the Nashville Rescue Mission. For Thanksgiving week, check out the calendar for needed work, from food preparation to teaching computer classes!
Nashville Turkey Trot
Special Olympics Nashville is the proud charity benefiting from the 2025 Nashville Turkey Trot 10 Mile and 5K. Volunteers are needed at water stations and on the course. This annual event takes place on Thanksgiving morning in Donelson.
Food Pantry at Martha O’Bryan Center
The Martha O’Bryan Center empowers children, youth, and adults in poverty to transform their lives through work, education, employment, and fellows. The Martha O'Bryan Center has one of the busiest food pantries in Nashville. Volunteer tasks include creating food boxes and stocking shelves in the food pantry.
The Nashville Food Project
The Nashville Food Project embraces a vision of vibrant community food security in which everyone in Nashville has access to the food they want and need through a just and sustainable food system. Various volunteer opportunities during Thanksgiving week include donation sorting, meal prep and meal delivery.