Thanksgiving is a time to show appreciation for all that you're grateful for.
It also provides an opportunity to give back.
That's what 519 Community Collective hopes residents will do during a special volunteer opportunity on Oct. 4 at 26 Ainslie St S. The organization is busy preparing its annual Thanksgiving feast and is in need of people to help bake desserts.
"During a special event like Thanksgiving we want to make sure people are feeling the love with homemade baking," Nicole Bolotovsky, coordinator at 519 Community Collective said.
"We wanted to open up the space on Wednesday so people can come in and bake for the community. They can use our commercial kitchen, package it and have it ready to go for Sunday."
The Thanksgiving gathering is an annual event, with a similar meal being put on at Christmas.
Anyone is welcome to attend and share in the holiday celebration, Bolotovsky says.
"It's open to anyone in the community, no questions asked," she said.
"We have people from all walks of life who come into our space, it’s open and accepting. It gives everyone an opportunity."
The mission of 519 Community Collective is to spread kindness, hope and love to the most vulnerable in Waterloo region through a variety of social and food programs.
For Bolotovsky, it's an objective that compels her to be involved. She hopes by helping people and encouraging others to do the same, the entire community can become more understanding of one another.
"I love my community," she said.
"Everyone can use a helping hand at some point in their life. If I can help provide a meal and a smile to someone, I'm so happy to have that opportunity. I wish we would stop judging each other and help people out."
Anyone interested in helping bake can contact Bolotovsky through Facebook. If possible, volunteers are asked to bring their own ingredients.
Financial donations towards the purchase of ingredients can be made by contacting [email protected].
The meal will be served between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday.
