As we approach this Thanksgiving holiday, many of us are reminded about all that we’re grateful for and perhaps how often we take these things for granted. It’s a great time to take stock of our blessings, perhaps writing down what we’re thankful for or by thanking someone directly and telling them how much we appreciate them.
But we’ve found one of the best ways to give thanks is by giving back. Giving back not only lifts others, but also it can raise your own spirits, too. This Thanksgiving, consider giving back by contributing to families in our community through one of the following programs and events where you can make an immediate impact this holiday season.
PARK CITY TURKEY DRIVE (Park City Board of Realtors)
Join the Park City Board of Realtors in their efforts to “give hunger the bird,” and donate to the 21st annual Park City Turkey Drive. Last year, the drive provided more than 2,700 turkey dinners to the community at large, and this year’s needs have increased dramatically as the price of turkey has nearly doubled. The Turkey Drive contributes turkeys and canned goods to Park City food pantries. For questions, email parkcityturkeydrive@yahoo.com.
When & where: Thursday and Friday, Nov. 17-18, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Market at Park City (1500 Snow Creek Dr.)
How to donate: Swing by The Market this Thursday and Friday to participate in-person, or donate via Venmo at https://account.venmo.com/u/ParkCity-Realtors. Visit www.ParkCityTurkeyDrive.info for more payment options.
HOLIDAY TREE AUCTION (Habitat for Humanity)
Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties is getting into the Christmas spirit early with its first annual holiday tree auction to raise critical funds for Habitat’s work at Silver Creek Village, where they are currently building 26 homes. Look for trees decorated by Park City-area families and businesses, including Country Gardens & Nursery, Eleganté Interiors, KPCW and Park City Rotary.
When & where: While the auction itself is online, the 12 trees will be on display at Habitat’s ReStore, located at 6280 N. Silver Creek Rd., from Tuesday through Saturday, Nov. 15-19.
How to participate: Visit habitat-utah.org for the online auction, which starts at 5 p.m. on Tuesday and runs through 8 p.m. on Saturday. The trees will also be showcased online, where interested participants should register to find out first about auction details.
OPERATION HOPE 2022 (Christian Center of Park City)
Each year, the Christian Center of Park City spreads hope and cheer throughout our community through its annual Operation Hope. Every December, CCPC coordinates generous community donations including toys, gift cards and volunteer time to ensure every family in Summit and Wasatch County has a merry Christmas. Last year, Operation Hope in Summit County served 330 families and 780 children with piles of amazing toys, books, clothing and more, while 380 families and 1,000 children in Wasatch Country received gift cards for smooth Christmas shopping.
Ways to get involved:
- Donate toys*: Drop off new, unwrapped toys at CCPC’s Main Office (1283 Deer Valley Dr.) during normal business hours. To make it easy, CCPC has compiled an Amazon shopping list! *All toys are due by Dec. 7.
- Host a toy drive drop box: Help CCPC collect toys for Summit and Wasatch County children at your home or business. Email JamieC@ccofpc.org to set up a toy drive drop box location.
- Donate financially: If you prefer to give financially, online donations are always welcome. Donate to either Summit County or Wasatch County.
- Volunteer: Join in the fun with CCPC on Dec. 3 in Wasatch County and on Dec. 13 and 14 in Summit County. Volunteers in Wasatch County will help pass out gift cards at JR Smith Elementary, Midway Elementary, and Heber Elementary, while Summit County volunteers will help set up and operate a toy store in CCPC’s event space.
