As the November holiday rolls around, we begin to prepare our tables and our appetites for Thanksgiving dinner.  However, it is all too easy to forget the root of the word: giving.  The following are links to sites of businesses and organizations that will allow citizens to give back to the community and those less fortunate.

Circle of Concern is a charity that provides families in St. Louis county with both food and emergency assistance. They are currently running a Thanksgiving Program and are in need of volunteers.For more information, visit their website below.

http://www.circleofconcern.org/
Rather than throw away the jeans and sweaters from Winters past, donate your clothing to a local Goodwill store. Visit the link below to receive more information about donations or to find a location near you.

http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/
Toys for Tots is an organization that distributes toys to children throughout the winter holidays. They collect new, unwrapped toys throughout the months of October, November and December. For more information on how and where to donate, visit the link below.

http://www.toys4totsstl.com/
Be on the lookout for those little silver bells and the red buckets that are a staple outside of any convenience or grocery store. The Salvation Army is a foundation formed through the Christian church whose sole focus is to help the needy and the impoverished. To learn more, visit their website at:

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-local/Home
The Knights of Columbus are a service organization supported by the Catholic Church. Throughout the year, they collect monetary donations and partake in various service projects. Follow the link below to learn about upcoming service projects and ways to volunteer your time.