By: Alexis Christensen REALTOR®
November always reminds me to slow down and take stock of everything I’m grateful for. Family dinners, cooler weather (Florida Edition), cozy nights at home. It’s a month that fills your heart. It’s also a time to look around and remember that not everyone has the same comforts we do. One of the best ways to nurture gratitude is to share it.
Giving back does something amazing for your spirit. It lifts your mood, brings people together, and reminds you how powerful kindness can be. In our home, it’s become one of our favorite holiday traditions. Each year my family adopts a few families for the holidays. My boys love shopping for toys, clothes, and treats for other kids. Watching them get excited about helping others is the best part. It’s not about what we spend, it’s about the joy of giving and the reminder that even small acts can make a big impact.
If you want to start your own “give-back” tradition, here are a few simple ideas to get you going:
• Adopt a family through a local church, school, or community group. Let your kids pick some of the gifts.
• Put together care baskets with socks, snacks, and a handwritten note for nursing homes or shelters.
• Host a food or toy drive with friends, neighbors, or coworkers.
• Clean out closets and donate coats and blankets before the chilly months arrive.
You can also reach out to a few local organizations that are always making a difference right here in our community:
• Feeding Empty Little Tummies, Inc. (F.E.L.T.) provides weekend meals for homeless and food-insecure children in Manatee County.
• The Salvation Army accepts donations and helps families year-round.
• Safe Children Coalition supports foster and adoptive families across Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties.
• Local hospitals often collect toys, blankets, and essentials for children and families during the holidays.
Giving doesn’t have to be big or fancy to matter. The love and thought behind the act are what count. This Thanksgiving, while you’re counting your blessings, take a moment to be one for someone else. Gratitude truly grows when you share it.
