Managing the holidays can be challenging for any family. When you add in searching for housing, employment, and other topical matters, this time of year can be difficult for the hundreds of men, women, and children that we serve. Here are a few ways you can make a difference this Thanksgiving:

Sponsor A Thanksgiving Meal

SAEHC aims to promote and preserve family traditions in all of their programs. For our transitional and permanent supportive housing programs this Thanksgiving, in lieu of canned goods, we request that donors consider purchasing a $25-$50 gift card from the supermarket of their choice. By allowing families to shop for their favorite ingredients and use their own recipes we hope that we can make their holiday season a bit cozier this year! Any food that is collected will still go to a great use, so the choice is yours!

Thanksgiving Serving

Each year, our agency relies on the generosity of volunteers to assist in our shelter kitchen to help prepare brunch and dinner on Thanksgiving and the day after. We are currently looking for groups, families, and individuals to join us on November 22 and 23 to roll up their sleeves and help cook a meal for our participants at the family shelter.  Volunteers are welcome to sign up for a 4-hour shift in either the morning or afternoon and help us set-up, cook, serve, and clean. The shelter will have food ready to be prepared, but if groups would like to sponsor and arrange a special meal, we are more than happy to oblige!

Food Basket Preparation

SAEHC is incredibly fortunate every year to receive holiday food items from a variety of donors. This also means that we need volunteers to help us put together food baskets for some of our programs. Volunteers are needed on Tuesday, November 20 from late morning to early afternoon to organize and pack turkeys, ham, pies, and other Thanksgiving staples.

There is always much to be done here at Sacramento Area Emergency Housing Center. Much of our success comes from the commitment that our volunteers dedicate to making an impact in the lives of others in need of support. If you would like to assist in any of the above volunteer opportunities, please contact Community Partnerships Coordinator, Joseph Ramos at 916-454-2120x302 or at jramos@saehc.org.