Hello! It has been some time since my last post, but in order to make up for that, I am literally giving you GOLD!
Every year, our Clubs are lucky enough to receive a SICK donation from a local restaurant. Lambert's, home of the throwed rolls...yes, you read that right...
The specialize in home cooking and great service. They give us turkey, gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and a sense of relief and pride as we are able to feed 1000 Club members and families FOR FREE! Believe it or not, there are many restaurants who would do something similar if you plan ahead. You could write a letter indicating your need, your clientele, and your ask. If you need help with one of these letters, please shoot me a message!
We open our Clubs from 5:30pm-7:30pm and have a day dedicated to thanking our families. For many of them, this is the only traditional Thanksgiving dinner they will receive and being able to play a part in providing that is uniquely special. Staff members decorate the Club, there are a number of activities for families to participate in, and the Club is filled with a general sense of merriment. We have volunteers serve food so staff can spend some quality time with kids!
Here are some great tips and resources for you to host your own event!
Use this planning document to plan your event! And reach out to local restaurants to get donations!
Use a sign up sheet like this to promote your event! Message me if you would like for me to create one for you! Every year, we also have parents bring cookies for the cookie exchange! Families vote on their favorites!
Also, apply for grants that can help cover the cost, or add a great activity to the event! GenerationON and Points of Light have an amazing opportunity. It is called the Family Volunteer Day grant and you can incorporate this into your Thanksgiving dinner! Check out their site for more: https://www.generationon.org/grants. In the past, we have done police officer appreciation baskets, recycling projects, and mental health art projects!
Create a fun schedule using canva.com to show families what they can do!
Link up your pre-lim Fine Arts Exhibit with Thanksgiving Dinner to get families to see Club member art and vote!
Use these activities to add some flair to your event!
Coloring Set from http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/
Thanksgiving Charades from ICanTeachMyChild.com
Thanksgiving Brick Challenge from http://ProverbialHomemaker.com
Use this Gratitude Game Below from Teach Beside Me
