Thanksgiving is a wonderful tradition when we spend time with our family and love ones over a festive meal. However, it is also a time of contemplation in which we should all be thinking about how thankful we are to be Americans.

We’ve compiled a list of ways that you can give back to the country this Thanksgiving, so scroll through these and see if some of them are right for you!

Write a thank you letter or send a care package to a member of the U.S. military.

Members of the military risk their lives to protect our freedoms, and being away from their families over Thanksgiving is incredibly difficult. That’s why sending them a package or even a simple note could do wonders in improving their morale, as it lets them know that their sacrifices are appreciated!

Say thank you to a veteran

Veterans often feel as if the sacrifices they have made for their country are not appreciated, so saying a simple thank you over Thanksgiving is a great way to let them know how appreciative you are.

Deliver food to a homebound senior citizen

Senior citizens who are confined to their homes often feel forgotten and isolated from the world. Volunteer with Meals on Wheels so you can make the day of a senior citizen by delivering a Thanksgiving meal to them that they will never forget!

Volunteer at a soup kitchen

This is a great way to put your life in perspective while you help others in your community who need it.

Visit patients in hospitals or nursing homes

There’s nothing fun about being stuck in a hospital or a nursing home during a holiday, so visiting someone who is in one of these facilities is a great way to show them that you care!

How do you plan to give back during Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments section.