November: A Month of Sharing our Thanks and Blessings

As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold and the air grows crisp and cool, November arrives with its unique charm and significance. It’s a time when we come together to reflect on our blessings and show our gratitude.

Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States, is a holiday dedicated to giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year. It’s a time when families and friends gather to share meals and express their gratitude for one another. In a similar spirit, November is a time for all of us to pause and reflect on the many things we are thankful for, both personally and as part of our larger community.

November provides the perfect opportunity to extend our gratitude to those in need. It’s a month when we can turn our thankfulness into action by making donations to causes and organizations that make a difference in the lives of others. Your support and generosity can have a profound impact on those who may be less fortunate.

Why November?

Historically, November has been associated with the harvest season. Farmers and communities gather their crops, and it’s a time to share the abundance with those who may not have enough. The holiday season, starting with Thanksgiving and continuing through December, fosters a sense of generosity and goodwill. It’s a time when people are more inclined to give.

As we count our blessings, we also recognize the importance of helping others in need. November’s reflective spirit reminds us of the value of sharing our good fortune. November 28 is Give Big Pittsburgh, and we invite you to express your gratitude through generosity. Whether it’s volunteering your time at the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or making a financial contribution towards our mission, every act of kindness counts!

Your donation at any time during this season of giving—whether during Give Big Pittsburgh or directly to us through mail, online, phone, or another giving vehicle—fuels our assistance and outreach programs and sustains our activities in service to our neighbors in need. If you feel moved to give financially today know that your contribution makes a significant difference.

Many people consider making end-of-year charitable donations in November to maximize their tax deductions for the current year. This can be a win-win for both donors and recipients. Many in our community give stock, make grants from Donor Advised funds, or make Qualified Charitable Distributions – all of which are more “tax-smart” than giving cash. For more information about tax-smart giving, please contact your financial advisor, or Director of Development Jennifer Thoma at jthoma@svdppitt.org or 412.321.1071×1204.

Whether big, small, or somewhere in between, everything we have is from God and when we share it generously, we mirror the heart of Our Heavenly Father who gives without measure. As Catholics, let’s embrace this spirit of stewardship and continue reflecting God’s love through our actions.