This content is made possible by our sponsor. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial staff.
After the fun spookiness of Halloween passes and before the busy month of December arrives with its many celebrations, the month of November presents a chance for gratitude. Thanksgiving is just one day, but many people have taken to using the whole month to personally or publicly note the things in their lives for which they are thankful.
Feeling thankful often leads to sharing, whether it's helping neighbors, volunteering time at nonprofits or donating money and goods.
If you're in the mood for gratitude, many opportunities in the area will help you give to the community. For example, Elation Real Estate hosts events to collect items or money for local causes.
"One of the ways we give back is by organizing and hosting large-scale drives for essential items, such as coats, personal care products, food, pet food, backpacks and clothing," said Gina Piper, Elation's founder / owner and broker associate. "These drives are held right in our parking lot at Elation, making it convenient for both our team and the community to participate. By collecting and distributing these items, we aim to alleviate some of the hardships faced by individuals and families in our area."
With winter and holidays on the horizon, Elation will hold a coat drive from 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 4 in the Elation parking lot, 127 Spring St., Pleasanton, and is planning a toy drive. Giving this way is easy because the agency has done the work of organizing and directing the donations to those in need.
"They can drop off items or they can order off Amazon and it gets sent to our office for the drive," Piper said.
Additionally, Elation is involved in a number of projects, supporting Kids Against Hunger, Valley Humane Society, Monthly Miracles, East Bay Children's Law Offices, Assistance League of Amador Valley, Toys for Tots and Tri Valley Haven. Piper also comes across needs from various nonprofits when she participates in her Rotary Club.
Another way that Elation Real Estate helps the community is by hosting shredding events that benefit anyone with personal paperwork or electronics. One is held after tax season in April and another in late October.
"Our shredding and electronic waste events provide a safe and convenient way for community members to securely dispose of sensitive documents and electronic devices," Piper said. "By offering these services, we not only help protect personal information but also contribute to a cleaner and greener environment."
The company also hosts a backpack drive for kids in foster care.
"One of our agents in our office adopted a foster child, so he's really passionate about that," Piper said.
In fact, that's one way to find a project to support this season: Look for opportunities that speak to you. For example, you can fulfill needs for basic necessities like clothing, shelter, food, diapers or medical care. You can look for organizations that support those with disabilities or groups that advocate for gender or racial justice. You can also check out local libraries and schools to see how to volunteer time.
On a more personal level, you can send a text or a kind note to brighten someone's day, or tell friends or family members you love them. You can let teachers, public workers or caregivers know how much you appreciate their hard work.
As you think thankful in the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving, Piper encouraged others to turn their thoughts into actions. After all, those actions will make your community a better place to live.
"We believe that by working together and supporting one another, we can build stronger, more vibrant communities for everyone," Piper said. "Join us in making a difference today."
Elation Real Estate with offices in Pleasanton and Danville, offers a "boutique feel with world-class results." With more than 30 years buying and selling homes in the Tri-Valley, the Elation team guides new and experienced home buyers and sellers through every step of the process.
