11.11.2022 |
There are so many various ways to celebrate Thanksgiving weekend with your family this year. From the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade, to supporting small businesses, and even volunteering within your community; you’re sure to end your last weekend of November feeling satisfied!
The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade is held on Thursday, November 24th from 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM CT. This parade takes place on State Street, from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph. If you’re hoping to volunteer as an individual or with a group, this Ould be the perfect gig for you! Some of the positions they offer include carrying the banner for the parade route, helping the parade stay on schedule by being a Block Marshal, placing donated items into gift bags, scanning tickets, assisting with clean up, and so much more. Some of their live performances will include the Renacer Boliviano Dance Group, the Marist High School Marching Band, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team. This parade is hosted by Jesse Hutch and Jen Lilley and will be rain, shine, or snow, so dress appropriately.
If you’re more of a shopper and are hoping to score some of the best gifts this holiday season, you should participate in Small Business Saturday. Nothing beats supporting your community. A fun and colorful clothing brand that’s well worth supporting is Luvsick Plus! This plus-size vintage strives for size inclusivity and was founded by Britteny Riordan. You can support them by making a purchase online or by paying them a visit. Another great business to support would be Semicolon Bookstore and Gallery. This business is committed to nurturing the connection between literature, art, and the pursuit of knowledge; while also using the power of words to better our community. A way to support this black-woman-owned business would be by shopping in-store, making a purchase online, and following Parenthesis Nonprofit for pop-up updates.
Another great way to give back to the community would be by volunteering, and what better organization than Food with Friends! This Chicago-based Christian Ministry offers hands-on opportunities to provide food and reach to those in need. They are always open to volunteers, partners, and donations. Some of their upcoming events include the Music Box Foundation: Community Thanksgiving " Grab & Go" Meal which will be held November 20th at Music Box Foundation from 12:30 - 4:30 PM. As a volunteer, you will assist with assembling, packing, and distributing 150 meals. Another event is the Olive Branch: Thanksgiving Meal on Wednesday, November 23rd. This event is held at Olive Branch from 3:00 – 7:00 PM, and as a volunteer, you would help plate and serve 150 meals; along with cleaning up.
