Giving Back: Make The Thanksgiving Season Meaningful as a Family
During the month of October, the focus begins to shift toward the season Thanksgiving. It’s a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and look for ways to instill the spirit of gratitude in our children. One powerful way to do this is through community service.
When children have opportunities to give back, it helps them develop empathy, build character, and foster a deep sense of appreciation. Instead of feeling entitled, they experience firsthand the impact they can have on others’ lives. It also brings families together and creates lasting memories as you work side-by-side to support those in need.
The experiences we had serving as a family made a huge impact on our children in recognizing how others live and how blessed we are.
Whether it was delivering school supplies to schools in Jamiaca or making blankets for children with cancer, these were experiences they will never forget.
This month, let’s explore meaningful ways to engage in community service that fit your family’s unique personalities and interests. Here’s a guide to understanding how different personality styles may prefer to serve and suggestions to help make this Thanksgiving season a time of connection, compassion, and giving back.
Let’s look at Understanding Personality Styles and Community Service:
The Goal-Oriented & Determined Personality ("D" Style)
These children are natural leaders and enjoy taking charge of projects that make a difference. They’re motivated by results and want to see the tangible impact of their efforts.
How to Serve: Choose activities that allow them to lead or make decisions, such as organizing a family or neighborhood service project, coordinating a toy drive, or fundraising for a local charity.
Family Activity Suggestion: Set a goal to collect a certain number of items for a food drive or winter clothing collection, and let them create a plan to achieve it. Track progress together and celebrate the achievement as a family.
The Outgoing & Inspiring Personality ("I" Style)
These kids are social, people-oriented, and love to spread positivity. They love environments where they can interact with others and see the joy they bring firsthand.
How to Serve: Participate in community events like organizing a food drive, visiting senior centers, or helping out at a local animal shelter. They’ll love being in the center of the action, lifting others' spirits with their energy and enthusiasm.
Family Activity Suggestion: Volunteer at a local Thanksgiving meal service or host a "Thankful Cards" project, where you create handmade cards for hospital patients or community workers together.
The Supportive & Loyal Personality ("S" Style)
Kids with this style are compassionate, steady, and love being helpful. They are happiest in roles where they can work behind the scenes, offering support to others.
How to Serve: Volunteer at a local food bank sorting donations, help set up for community events, or assist with meal preparation at a shelter.
Family Activity Suggestion: Partner with an organization like Meals on Wheels to deliver meals together as a family or bake treats for neighbors, using it as an opportunity to talk about why helping others is important.
The Task-Oriented & Analytical Personality ("C" Style)
These children prefer activities that are structured, detail-oriented, and give them a sense of accomplishment. They’re often thoughtful and want to make a meaningful impact.
How to Serve: Choose projects that involve careful planning, such as creating care packages for families in need, organizing donated items at a food pantry, or creating a budget for charitable donations.
Family Activity Suggestion: Spend a day packing hygiene kits or backpacks for kids in foster care. Include a personalized note to add a thoughtful touch, something your "C" child would appreciate.
When families serve together, it creates a sense of shared purpose and builds closer relationships. Children who participate in community service develop a deeper appreciation for what they have and learn that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. It’s also a chance to model empathy and gratitude, showing them firsthand how serving others can be a rewarding and joyful experience.
Here are some additional ideas to get started:
Volunteer at a Local Food Bank: Spend a day sorting, packaging, or serving food to families in need.
Create a “Blessing Box” Together: Have each family member contribute something meaningful (food, hygiene items, or handwritten notes), then find a local spot to leave it for those who might need it.
Adopt a Family for Thanksgiving: As a family, sponsor a local family and shop for groceries, write a kind note, and deliver a Thanksgiving meal to them.
Neighborhood Clean-Up: Spend a morning cleaning up your community park, school grounds, or an area that needs some attention.
Family Fundraiser: Have your child choose a cause that resonates with them and brainstorm ways to raise money, such as a bake sale, car wash, or online fundraiser.
No matter what activity you choose, remember that the goal is to create positive, impactful experiences that align with your family’s strengths and interests. The Parenting Blueprint can help you better understand your child’s personality, making it easier to choose activities that engage and inspire them, while teaching invaluable lessons in gratitude and service.
This Thanksgiving season, let’s focus on building a legacy of giving, gratitude, and togetherness that will last a lifetime.
Wishing you and your family a season filled with joy, gratitude, and meaningful memories.
Post in the comments the community service opportunities you have experienced with your family.
Karen Wagnon is a passionate advocate for empowering parent coaches and fostering educational excellence. As the founder of Teaching Our Youth and The Parenting Blueprint? program, Karen has dedicated her career to equipping educators and parent coaches with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to guide and support families effectively. With a deep understanding of the transformative power of coaching and education, Karen is committed to sharing valuable resources, practical tips, and inspiring stories through their newsletter. Join in the journey of elevating parenting and education to create a brighter future for our children.