As we approach Thanksgiving and TeleNav kicks-off our season of giving I am struck with the memory of my best Thanksgiving. I was living in Florida – 3,000 miles away from my family. I had to choose between taking time-off without pay and purchasing a flight I couldn’t afford or staying home and facing the holiday alone. I decided not to do either.

Instead of flying home or trying to wrangle up an invitation with nearby friends I decided to volunteer at a battered women’s shelter. A local chef volunteered his services to provide the meal that day. I and a handful of other volunteers happily served his meal while a stray volunteer, dressed as a clown, did face paintings for the kids.

When we were done with our duties the chef invited all of the volunteers over to his place for a Thanksgiving meal. I sat at the table with the rest of the rag-tag bunch who had come together and I had the best time I could remember. We laughed so hard, and even made balloon animals at the table after dinner!

It meant a lot to me to feel so welcome at a stranger’s table when I had no family nearby. For the rest of my years in Florida I hosted Thanksgiving dinner at my house for anyone I knew who didn’t have family in the area and it was great every year. Those holidays will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Those years are gone, but I still strive to give back by sharing my food and my time with Second Harvest Food Bank. I’m thankful for the opportunity to share what I can throughout the year and I’m very thankful that TeleNav has done so much to support this cause.

We know our customers are awesome, but we still love to hear about it from you. If you’re giving a gift that matters this holiday season please let us know which charities are your favorite to give back to.