10 Ways to Volunteer This Thanksgiving Season in North Carolina

Happy Thanksgiving!

Gathering with family and friends this season is one of the best ways to celebrate gratitude for everything we have. But if you want to make this time of year extra meaningful, there are numerous opportunities across North Carolina to volunteer and support those in need.

Whether you're in Charlotte, Greensboro, Durham, Raleigh, Weaverville, or surrounding areas, these Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities offer something for everyone—from meal preparation and delivery to parade participation and community events.

10 Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities in North Carolina (2025)

1. Thanksgiving Eve Get Together 2025 - Project 70Forward (Charlotte & Mount Holly)

Project 70Forward is hosting its annual Thanksgiving Eve Get Together across five locations in Charlotte, plus a new location in Mount Holly. This community-focused event provides hot meals to seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those in need.

Volunteer roles: Setup teams, servers, cleanup crews, transportation angels (for meal delivery), and entertainers (musicians, poets, comedians).

When: Wednesday, November 26, 2025, 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

2. Operation Turkey (Greensboro)

Operation Turkey brings the community together to prepare and deliver Thanksgiving meals to people experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in Greensboro. This multi-day event includes orientation sessions, turkey preparation, and meal delivery.

Volunteer roles: Smokers/pitmasters, setup, cooking, meal plating, packaging, delivery, and more.

When:

• Turkey Tailgate: November 25-26, 2025, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Thanksgiving Day Event: November 27, 2025, 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Where: United Institutional Baptist Church, 802 E Market St

3. Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade (Charlotte)

The beloved Novant Health Thanksgiving Eve Parade needs 1,000 volunteers to bring this Charlotte tradition to life! This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals, families, and groups to participate in one of the city's most iconic holiday events.

Volunteer roles: Balloon handlers, costume walkers, float escorts, push cart handlers

When: Wednesday, November 26, 2025, 5:30 PM

Parade Route: The 2025 parade route will begin at 9th Street and end at Good Samaritan Way along Tryon Street.

4. Thanksgiving Giving Giveaway - Mint to Be of the Carolinas (Concord)

Join Mint to Be of the Carolinas for a drive-thru distribution event blessing families throughout the community. This family-friendly volunteer opportunity is perfect for groups and teens.

Volunteer roles: Packing bags, directing traffic, greeting families, assisting with distribution

When: Sunday, November 23, 2025, 12:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Where: 430 Harris Street, Concord, NC

5. A Time to Share: Thanksgiving Blessings - The Green Team Helping Hands (Greensboro)

The Green Team Helping Hands Inc. invites the community to join their heartwarming event dedicated to ensuring everyone has a warm meal and moment of kindness during the holidays. This grassroots initiative provides free Thanksgiving meals and vital care packages to neighbors in need.

When: Saturday, November 22, 2025, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Where: 1002 S Elm-Eugene Street, Greensboro, NC 27406

6. Thanksgiving for Thousands - Meals for Thousands (Multiple NC Locations)

For over 30 years, this program has provided complete, ready-to-cook Thanksgiving meals to more than 150,000 people across North Carolina. With locations in Lumber Bridge, Siler City, Selbyville, and Statesville, this massive volunteer effort relies on hundreds of community members.

When: Saturday, November 22, 2025

Events Near Charlotte

7. Thanksgiving Meal Packing and Delivery - Raleigh Rescue Mission

Partner with Raleigh Rescue Mission and Meals on Wheels to pack and deliver Thanksgiving meals throughout the Raleigh community—no prior volunteer training required for this event.

Volunteer roles: Meal packing, delivery, and distribution

When: Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025

Where: Christ the King Presbyterian Church, 1417 Clifton Street, Raleigh, NC 27604

8. 51st Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner - Durham Rescue Mission

Celebrate over five decades of community service at Durham Rescue Mission's outdoor Thanksgiving event. This free community celebration includes a hot turkey dinner, groceries for families, carnival games for children, free clothing, and special prize drawings.

Volunteer opportunities: Meal service, event support, and more

Donations needed: Turkeys and new bicycles

When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Where: 1201 East Main Street, Durham, NC

9. Meals on Wheels Durham - Thanksgiving Meal Delivery

Start your Thanksgiving morning by delivering hot meals to seniors in partnership with Durham Rescue Mission. This heartwarming activity is perfect for families, friends, and coworkers—and you'll be done in time for football and your own celebration!

Volunteers needed: 50 drivers

When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Meal pickup: Durham Rescue Mission, 1201 E Main St, Durham, NC

10. Blue Mountain Pizza's 20th Annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner (Weaverville)

Celebrate two decades of community generosity at Blue Mountain Pizza's milestone 20th anniversary Thanksgiving dinner! Since 2005, this beloved tradition has served nearly 10,000 free meals, welcoming everyone—whether you're alone, in need, or simply wish to celebrate with neighbors.

Donations needed: Turkeys (cooked/uncooked), other food items, cash

Volunteer roles: Cooking

When: Thursday, November 27, 2025, 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Where: Blue Mountain Pizza, Weaverville, NC

Make This Thanksgiving Extra Special

This year, share your blessings with others and make a difference in your North Carolina community. Whether you have a few hours or a full day to give, these Thanksgiving volunteer opportunities offer meaningful ways to express gratitude through service.

From serving meals to seniors and families in need, to bringing joy through parade participation, to packing and delivering food boxes—there's a perfect volunteer opportunity waiting for you this Thanksgiving season.