With all the hoopla around Thanksgiving (and this year is particularly auspicious as Hannukah coincides with Turkey day for the first time in over 100 years), it’s regrettably easy to forgot about those that are less fortunate. This year is particularly difficult for many families with cuts to SNAP and the struggling economy.

I admit I’ve been lost as to finding the best way to teach my kids about charity. How can I teach them about selflessness and empathy and explain devastation, loss or life-threatening illness that is all around us? There are a ton of resources on this subject, including the well-known work of Mister Rogers, which I wrote about here.

I recently came to the realization that children are capable of giving of themselves more than I give them credit for. Take for example my good friend and her 9-year-old son. They’ve been volunteering at the Pine Street Inn, New England’s largest resource for homeless men and women. Her son came up with the idea of a starting a cereal drive for the organization at his school two years ago, and they've been volunteering there every weekend since. Or the simple lesson given to my 5 year-old by his PreK teacher on filling a friend’s (emotional) bucket everyday. Lesson learned? Reinforce charitable values everyday. Make it a family activity. In doing so, you’ll no doubt raise good kids.

With that said, here are some great causes to consider giving time or money to during Thanksgiving and all year:

• Share Our Strength’s Feed Hungry Kids This Thanksgiving – every $10 can provide up to 100 meals for a child facing hunger. 
• Scary Mommy Thanksgiving Project – Thanksgiving fundraiser to help struggling families 
• Support your local food bank – organize a food drive, build a food basket for a local family or volunteer, or donate food or groceries at your local food bank.
• Community Servings Pie n the Sky – Buy a Pie for $25 and you’re helping feed a critically ill client for a week. 

Here’s to giving everyone much to be thankful for.

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Meanwhile, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and when it is hot, add the oil. Add the garlic and cook until lightly toasted (2-3 minutes). Add the spinach and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes). Transfer to a blender and gradually add half and half and set aside.
3. Reheat skillet and when hot, add butter. Add ham and cook for 2 minutes. Add reserved spinach puree and cook for 1 minutes.
4. Add orzo and parmesan cheese, mix to combine and serve immediately.