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

Chloe: I'm grateful for personal growth and for moments of peace and clarity in a chaotic world. I am thankful for my biological and chosen families and for the incredible city I'm proud to call home. I'm grateful to be able to see love and joy all around me even when the weight of the world feels heavy.

Trista: During this season, I have immense gratitude for the people in my life, from my sister, who’s had my back for the past 24 years, to my new co-workers and all the incredible friends I’ve made since moving here last year. I can’t imagine where I’d be without them. And if you’re reading this, I’m thankful for you — because of you, I’m living out my childhood dream of being a writer, so thank you.

Brianna (NOOGAtoday intern extraordinaire): I’m thankful for the loving group of people that I’m so lucky to call my family, the opportunity to receive a college education, and the fact that I do not have to worry about where I get my next meal or will be sleeping at night, among so many other things that I have to be thankful for.

Editors Chloe M. + Trista P. with Intern Brianna W. and the pumpkins we painted for Halloween.

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 NOOGA a better place:

“My subdivision, West Point Estates, collects non-perishable food items. Last year we gave 180 pounds of food to the Chattanooga Food Bank. This year we are giving our collection to the Community Kitchen. Giving to others reminds us how blessed we are.” -Anne B.

https://www.instagram.com/p/By5ce-UndCc/

“Wreath laying at the national cemetery” -@laurablue8

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3cBIlfnLVQ/

“My favorite foundation to support is the Women’s Oncology Warriors of Greater Chattanooga through the community foundation. The foundation helps women fighting cancer with the ancillary costs of treatment, what folks all too often forget! Like transportation, meals, clothing, and utilities...These strong and inspiring warriors of cancer are our mothers, sisters, daughters, friends... our Chattanooga Family and they are fighting for their lives, they shouldn’t have to worry about missing time at work!” -Ben C.

https://www.instagram.com/p/By-pW83gT3U/

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 Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga. 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 the Women’s Fund does for our community. The goal of the Women’s Fund is to improve the lives of women and girls across the region. They are made up of advocates, volunteers, and philanthropists who all have the goal to move towards a society that is safe, nurturing + full of opportunity for women.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B4OUPSmpkQw/

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.