As fall settles across North Central Florida and the trees turn from green to gold, Thanksgiving once again reminds us of what truly matters—gratitude, connection, and community. It’s the season when family and friends gather to share food, fellowship, and reflections of their blessings.

But Thanksgiving isn’t just a day for giving thanks—it’s the moment that kicks off the season of giving. From Gainesville to High Springs, from Alachua to Hawthorne, residents and organizations are transforming gratitude into generosity, showing the heart of our community beats strongest when we give back. It’s about turning gratitude into action and finding ways to lift others up.

Giving Close to Home

You don’t have to look far to find opportunities to give. The Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, for instance, distributes millions of pounds of food each year to families across the region—and every donated can, dollar, and volunteer hour helps meet growing needs.

Organizations like Catholic Charities, Peaceful Paths, and the St. Francis House depend on local volunteers to serve meals, sort donations, and provide essential care to neighbors in crisis.

Even small acts can make a difference. Mentoring a student through Take Stock in Children or adopting a family for the holidays through Partnership for Strong Families are all ways to share the spirit of the season.

And for those unable to give money, giving time can be just as meaningful. A visit to a homebound neighbor, helping clean up a park, or volunteering at a local animal shelter can all make our community a more compassionate place to live.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

Giving doesn’t just change lives—it builds community. Studies show that generosity is contagious; one act of kindness can inspire dozens more. That ripple effect is easy to see in examples like Mr. Bill and Mrs. Verna Brown. More than 30 years ago, when they found themselves with an abundance of produce from their garden, they began sharing food with neighbors in need. Today, teams of volunteers continue their legacy by distributing food to more than 2,500 people each week.

Local efforts like these remind us that philanthropy isn’t only about large foundations or major gifts—it’s about people working together to create meaningful change right where they live.

Keeping the Spirit All Year Long

As Thanksgiving ushers in the holiday season, it challenges us to see gratitude not as a one-day tradition, but as a way of life. Giving—whether in November or any month of the year—is gratitude in motion.

So as you gather around the table this Thanksgiving, take a moment to ask: Who in our community could use a helping hand? What skills, time, or resources can I share? How can my family make giving part of our holiday tradition?

Because when we give thanks and then give back, we do more than celebrate the season—we strengthen the bonds that make our community a place where kindness thrives. And that is something truly worth being thankful for.

Barzella Papa has served as the President and CEO of the Community Foundation of North Central Florida for 19 years. During her tenure, she has raised more than $100 million in support of local efforts. She holds a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy and a Certified Fund Raising Executive designation.

Editor’s note: This is the latest in a series of philanthropy columns sponsored by Community Foundation of North Central Florida.