Thanksgiving is a time of joy where families and friends come together to celebrate and show their thankfulness for each other. People all over the United States take time off work to spend hours in the kitchen cooking and stuffing their faces with delicious foods. Many businesses close early so the employees can go home and be with their loved ones. But there are some who are less fortunate than others in the Ocala area. There are some who don’t even have a place to live or a family to be thankful for. There are some families who have recently endured terrible things that make a holiday like Thanksgiving impossible to have. Job loss or financial problems, national disasters, or the loss of a loved one are among the many things that can bring a time of difficulty and great sadness to many. If you would like to give back to the community this Thanksgiving, here’s some ways you can do it:
1. Salvation Army
Resources offered include an on-site food pantry and thrift store. Other programs can offer electric bill help, housing and rent assistance, LIHEAP applications, and shelter. Most programs are for families or individuals who are faced with an emergency situation. You can help by volunteering, giving online or donating clothes and food for those in need.
- Location: 2901 NW 14th Street 320 NW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34470
- Phone: (352)732-8326
2. The Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA)
The Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) offers Equine therapy to clients of all ages who are facing physical, mental, or emotional circumstances. The program has assisted clients with attention deficit, multiple sclerosis, autism, stroke, paralysis and spinal cord injuries, amputees, and many other physical, emotional, and mental challenges.
You can give by volunteering your time, sponsoring a horse, or donating items such as tractors or fencing.
- Location: 6850 SE 41st Court Ocala, FL 34480
- Website: http://www.mtraocala.org/
- Phone: 352-732-7300
- Hours: Tues-Wed-Fri-Sat 9:30-3:00 – Mon & Thurs by appointment – Closed Sunday
3. Women’s Council of Realtors – Silent Auction and Dinner
Help support your local domestic violence shelter. With the Women’s Council of Realtors and Deltona as the host for a Thanksgiving auction and charity event, they will be providing ham and turkey this Thanksgiving. Attendees should bring a covered dish or desert. Hotel toiletries, bleach, and diapers will be received as donation items for the shelter. A portion of the silent auction proceeds will also be donated. Please also bring a Silent Auction item.
Event Details:
- Date: November 12, 2013
- Location: 6232 SW 47th Avenue, Ocala, Fl. 34474
- Phone: (352) 351-4550
- Website: http://www.ocalawcr.org/