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

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

“I’m thankful for the health of my family + friends and for having three snuggly pets (and a wonderful husband) to greet me at the end of each day. I am also excited to be doing work that I love, in a city that helps its residents to thrive.” - Erin

“I am thankful for the opportunity to live in such a welcoming city + begin my professional career with a dream job. My family has been so supportive of me this year and I couldn’t have made it through without their unconditional love and support. Also, I can’t forget my cat Moo — I’m always thankful to have her around.” - Trevor

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 few ways y’all make Raleigh a better place:

Reader Dallas B. told us about A Note in the Pocket volunteers Mandie + Bill who collect weekly donations of socks and underwear for homeless and impoverished schoolchildren in the community, bundle them into sets of five for each weekday to be distributed.

Kenzie C. told us how she works with families and individuals with disabilities through her consulting company Able Transition to help them connect with potential employers and develop skills for adulthood.

Katie K. shared an organization called Pasture Pals Equine Rescue, which is a one-woman-team dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of horses, mules, donkies, and sometimes pigs. Founder Alex Daniels works full-time to care for abandoned, abused + neglected equines in her care — sometimes as many as 30 or 40 at a time — and also helps to educate community members on the care + upkeep required for owning a horse.

And Fran told us that she hosts a Bunco for Charity game each month at My Place Restaurant + Tavern in Wake Forest, which donates all of the proceeds from each game to one of three causes: Suicide Prevention, Saving Grace animal adoption, or local teachers.

Being just a team of two here at RALtoday, 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 A Note in the Pocket.

While it was a difficult choice — as we wish we could give back to all those in need — our readers let us know how much this organization does for our community. Want to get involved? A Note in the Pocket is currently seeking donations of clothing and supplies + dedicated volunteers who can commit to a regular schedule. You can also get involved as a sponsor or register for their annual 5K Rundie, April 25, 2020 at Dorothea Dix Park.

Click here to learn more + thank you again to all the organizations and individuals who give back to our community each and every day. Cheers to us for coming together to give a little more thanks this season and help give back to those who need it most.