Happy Thanksgiving, LAL. Kaylee + Jessica here. Earlier this month, we encouraged you to share your stories + photos of how you give back to LAL, as a way to highlight and thank those who show love to our city. And that got us thinking… what are we here at LALtoday thankful for?

Kaylee: Other than my amazing family + friends, I’m thankful to live in a community full of ample opportunities for adventure. Between finding kitschy little places to explore (looking at you, Spook Hill) to blazing all the trails, there’s always something new to discover.

Jessica: My family + friends, first and foremost. I’m also grateful for the small businesses that make Lakeland what is it today. From finding an item that says LAL all over it at Twenty Seven and Scout & Tag to drinking a latte at Concord and eating baklava at Cafe Zuppina – our city has a way of celebrating the craft, talent, and products made locally.

Whether it be volunteering at a particular organization, assisting those less fortunate in your neighborhood, or even just making sure your trash can lid is securely closed to keep our streets clean – here are a couple of ways you all make LAL a better place:

https://www.facebook.com/ForgottenTailsRescue/photos/a.297243670616174/978816919125509/?type=3&theater

“My friend Jennifer and her sisters started an animal rescue several years ago called Forgotten Tails Rescue. As with all non-profits, they do this out of their own pockets and through donations. Most of the animals are kept at Jennifer’s property. She has purchased several shelters, and had them renovated out of her own money. She relies on donations to feed, house, and get medical care for them. Jennifer lives this rescue every day. It’s such a commitment on her part and her family. I volunteer and help out at events that she is able to set up for, to find homes for the animals. This helps Lakeland and Polk County become a more animal-friendly city, by keeping strays off the street and finding them homes, along with keeping them healthy.” – Brenda H.

https://www.facebook.com/311568326158191/photos/a.311571586157865/311571569491200/?type=3&theater

“Combee Connection Ministries, through Highland Park Church Lakeland, is providing Thanksgiving dinner to large amounts of families in the Combee area. They don’t do this type of work just around the holidays, but year-round with outreaches!” – Lauren A.

https://www.facebook.com/RedTentInitiative/photos/a.334767630047359/1016771135180335/?type=3&theater

“Red Tent Initiative is a radically inclusive organization that gives back by providing a variety of services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. They have provided a wide range of assistance, from helping clients to move to legal representation in seeking political asylum and are a 100% volunteer organization. They also partner with local organizations to provide additional resources to ensure we can fulfill the mission to end abuse and exploitation in our community.” – Tisa N.

Being just a team of two, we know that a little hard work can go a long way. And in the spirit of giving, on behalf of all our readers, we will be donating to Combee Connection Ministries. While it was a difficult choice – as we wish we could give back to all those in need – y’all let us know how much Combee Connection Ministries does for our community. The outreach works to connect residents in the Combee settlement with resources like food + transportation. Keep up-to-date on the organization’s Facebook page for more volunteer opportunities + ways to help.

Thank you again to all the organizations and individuals who give back to our community each and every day. Here’s to us coming together to give a little more thanks this season to those who need it most.

– LALtoday team (Jessica + Kaylee)