How to Make a Difference on the Road This Thanksgiving

RV life isn’t just about seeing new places, it’s also about showing up with purpose.

Whether you're parked for a weekend, gathered with family & friends, or settled in for the season this November, there are powerful ways to give back right where you are. As we reflect on gratitude and community, here’s your Learn to RV guide to making a difference from wherever your wheels land.

Make a Turkey for Another Family

If you’re cooking a holiday meal, consider doubling it. Many campgrounds and local churches welcome donated dishes for families in need. You can also ask your campground host if they know of a nearby family who could use a warm meal. A simple turkey dinner can go a long way in making someone feel seen and supported.

Or join Operation Turkey, a nationwide volunteer movement that delivers hot Thanksgiving meals to people in need. You can help cook, package, or deliver meals—many locations welcome RVers and traveling volunteers.

What Is Operation Turkey?

Operation Turkey is a nationwide movement that began with one man sharing leftovers with a person experiencing homelessness. Today, it’s grown into a fully volunteer-run organization that serves thousands of warm Thanksgiving meals to the homeless, elderly, and less fortunate in cities across the country—including Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

OperationTurkey.com is a volunteer-driven nonprofit that delivers hot Thanksgiving meals to people in need across the U.S. You can get involved by signing up to cook, package, or deliver meals—no matter where you’re traveling.

Operation Turkey makes it easy for RVers to serve others this Thanksgiving—no matter where you’re parked. With events in cities across the U.S., this grassroots movement mobilizes volunteers to prepare and deliver hot meals to people experiencing homelessness or hardship.

To get started, simply visit operationturkey.com/volunteer and fill out the intake form. You’ll choose your preferred location and role—whether it’s cooking, packaging, or delivering meals. Volunteers of all ages are welcome, and kids can join in by decorating boxes or helping with deliveries.

There are two main ways to serve: On Thanksgiving Day (November 28), volunteers gather at 8 AM to cook, plate, and deliver meals. The day before, Turkey Tailgate (November 27) offers a chance to help prep food and organize supplies. Both events are hands-on, heart-centered, and perfect for RVers who want to make a direct impact.

When you show up to serve, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Bring your family or travel crew—this is a beautiful way to teach kids about compassion and community care. Operation Turkey will send email updates with location-specific instructions, so you’ll know exactly where to go and what to expect.

Operation Turkey has active hubs in dozens of cities. If you’re RVing near:

• Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio (TX)
• Fayetteville, Raleigh, Wilmington (NC)
• Philadelphia (PA) …you’re likely near a volunteer site.

If you're on the road or not near a participating city, you can still help by donating. Operation Turkey is 100% volunteer-run, so every dollar goes directly toward feeding people in need.

• Donate Online: Visit operationturkey.com/donate to make a one-time or recurring donation.
• Sponsor a Meal: Just $5 feeds one person a full Thanksgiving meal. You can sponsor as many meals as you’d like. A $7 donation feeds 2 people! ALL the money that is donated goes directly to purchasing food and supplies for Thanksgiving Day.
• Fundraise as a Family or Group: Set a goal with your RV club, chapter, or travel crew and raise some funds together.
• Spread the Word: Share Operation Turkey on social media or in your campground community to inspire others to give.

Whether you're delivering meals in person or donating from a quiet boondocking spot, your support helps ensure no one is left behind this Thanksgiving. Operation Turkey offers a meaningful way to give back this holiday season. It’s not just about the meals—it’s about showing up with kindness, wherever you are.

Their mission is simple: “To deliver meals, care, and compassion to those who need it most.”

Lasagna Love: Serving Kindness & a Hearty Meal Wherever You Roam

In a recent segment on Learn to RV: The Podcast, we spotlighted Lasagna Love, a grassroots movement that’s feeding families and spreading kindness—one homemade meal at a time.

Whether you’re parked for the season or rolling through a new town, you can join the mission by donating a home-cooked lasagna this November—and all year long. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to give back to your “local-to-you” community wherever you are parked

• Sign up at lasagnalove.org
• Get matched with a nearby family in need
• Cook and deliver a lasagna with love and care
• Repeat as often as you’d like—flexible for RVers and travelers

Lasagna Love is perfect for RVers who want to serve locally, connect with real families, and make a tangible impact from the road. It’s not just about food—it’s about showing up with compassion.

Here are a few inspiring snapshots from volunteers across the country:

• Jacqueline’s Journey: “You don’t need a big kitchen to do big things.” Since 2021, Jacqueline has delivered homemade lasagna to neighbors facing grief, illness, and financial hardship. Her RV-sized kitchen didn’t stop her from making a big impact.

• Rhiannon’s Mission: Founder Rhiannon Menn started Lasagna Love during the pandemic, cooking in her own messy kitchen to help families in crisis. “It’s not just the meal—it’s that a stranger would provide that random act of kindness. It gives them a feeling of love and hope,” she said.

• Zoe’s Local Impact: In Baltimore, volunteer Zoe Feldman shared how delivering lasagna helped her reconnect with her community. “It’s more than food—it’s a way to say ‘you matter’ without needing the perfect words”.

• Volunteer Wins: In July 2024 alone, over 5,000 volunteer chefs delivered nearly 40,000 meals. That’s 40,000 moments of kindness, comfort, and connection.

Want to hear more? Catch the full segment on Learn to RV: The Podcast and explore how RVers across the country are turning meals into moments of hope.

Donate to a Food Pantry: Campground Canned Food Drive

Giving back doesn’t have to be complicated. One of the easiest and most impactful ways RVers can serve their “local-to-you” community is by donating shelf-stable food to a nearby pantry. And if you’re staying at a campground this November, why not turn it into a group effort?

How to Start a Campground Canned Food Drive:

• Set up a donation bin near the office, laundry room, or community space
• Spread the word with a simple flyer or group post—invite fellow campers to contribute
• Suggest easy items like canned vegetables, soups, pasta, peanut butter, and boxed meals
• Partner with a local pantry or outreach group to arrange drop-off or pickup
• Ask campground staff if they already support a local nonprofit
• Use sites like feedingamerica.org or foodpantries.org to find nearby locations

Include a note station where donors can write short messages of encouragement to go with the food, especially meaningful for families receiving holiday support.

• Canned goods with pop-top lids are better than those requiring a can opener
• Avoid foods packaged in glass
• Don't donate foods that are past the expiration date

Whether you donate a single can or rally your whole campground, your kindness travels farther than you think.

Hospitality on the Road

The holidays can be joyful—but for many RVers, they can also feel isolating. Whether someone’s far from family, traveling solo, or new to the lifestyle, a little connection goes a long way.

One of the most meaningful ways to give back this season is to invite your neighbors over. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—a shared dinner, a dessert potluck, or even a cozy campfire chat can make someone feel seen and supported.

Simple Ways to Host:

• Cook a favorite meal and invite nearby campers to join you
• Dessert & Drinks: Share pie, cocoa, or s’mores around the fire
• Bring a Dish: Host a casual potluck where everyone contributes something small
• Music or Story Night: Invite folks to share songs, travel stories, or holiday traditions

You never know who might need a little extra kindness this season. And in RV life, those small moments often turn into lasting friendships.

Traveling with Purpose: Giving Back to Jamaica This November

RV life is about freedom—but for many families, it’s also about purpose. This November, we’re spotlighting Tonja and Troy, two RVers with deep roots in Jamaica and a powerful mission to give back.

After Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of the island, Tonja and Troy felt called to act. Their connection runs deep—not just through travel, but through family. They’ve adopted children from Jamaica and built lasting relationships with local communities. They have also been featured on Learn to RV The Podcast.

Every winter, Tonja and Troy lead a group of RVers and travelers to Jamaica—a journey rooted in connection, culture, and deep family ties. But this year, their plans are shifting. After Hurricane Melissa devastated parts of the island, including beloved outreach centers and children’s homes, they’re turning their focus to rebuilding and relief.

Instead of hosting their usual travel experience, Tonja and Troy are rallying support for Melody House  & Robin's Nest, Jamaican organizations that were ravaged by the storm. These centers serve vulnerable children and families—many of whom have lost shelter, supplies, and access to basic care.

How You Can Help:

• Donate directly to Tonja and Troy’s fundraiser supporting Melody House and Robin's Nest at Traveling With A Purpose
• Follow & share the story of what's happening in Jamaica in your RV group, podcast, or social media feed. You can support by liking and following them as well as financial support on their Facebook Page
• Host a campground fundraiser—a bake sale, raffle, or donation jar can go a long way

Giving back isn’t just about where you’re parked—it’s about who you’re connected to. Tonja and Troy remind us that RVers can be global neighbors, showing up with compassion and action wherever it’s needed, and this year, Jamaica needs our help.

Let’s rally together to support families in Jamaica and honor the deep ties that make RV life so rich.

Lippert’s seRV With Purpose: November Highlights

Lippert’s seRV With Purpose initiative connects RVers with volunteer opportunities that make a real impact in the communities they visit. Powered by Lippert Cares, the platform helps travelers serve locally while building connection and purpose into their journey.

Here are a few ways you can get involved this November with seRV

• • Veterans Day Event – Belville, NC

📍 580 River Road Southeast November 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Join fellow RVers in honoring veterans through service and celebration.

• Food Distribution – New Braunfels, TX

📍 Tree of Life Church, Family Life Center December 18, 2025 | 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Help pack and distribute food to families in need—perfect for RVers passing through Texas.

• Wreaths Across America – New Bern, NC

📍 1711 National Avenue December 14, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Volunteer to honor fallen heroes by placing wreaths at veterans’ gravesites.

How to Get Started

• Visit servwithpurpose.com to explore events and sign up
• Filter opportunities by location, category, or family-friendly options
• Connect with seRV Ambassadors for guidance and community support

Lippert encourages RVers to “adventure with purpose”—and this November, there are more ways than ever to turn your travels into meaningful service.

More Ways to Serve

• Partner with local nonprofits through the seRV platform—options include food pantries, animal shelters, thrift stores, and landscaping projects
• Volunteer at RV parks that host service events, like Champions Run (FL), Lake Osprey (AL), and Talona Ridge (GA)
• Explore monthly nonprofit spotlights, such as Blessings & Hope Food Pantry and Give Kids the World Village in Florida
  

Cards with Heart: Creative Ways RVers Can Serve This November

Sometimes, the simplest gestures carry the most meaning. With a little creativity and a big heart, making cards can be a beautiful way to share love with your “local-to-you” community—or even with those serving far from home.

Every November, we take time to gather around picnic tables and RV dinettes, crafting handmade cards and coloring pages for nursing homes and military troops. These small acts of kindness remind people they’re not forgotten, especially during the holidays.

• For nursing home residents, a cheerful card can brighten a quiet day.
  
• For deployed service members, a handwritten note offers comfort, gratitude, and connection
  
• For RVers, it’s another hands-on way to learn empathy and practice giving back

The best part is, you don’t need fancy supplies—just paper, markers, and a few heartfelt words. You can even invite your campground neighbors to join in, or make it a family tradition. Many organizations accept mailed cards for distribution, including Operation Gratitude and Love for Our Elders or Making Card for Our Troops

Easy Ways to Impact your Community

• Host a card-making afternoon at your RV park or rally
• Include coloring pages for kids to decorate and sign
• Drop off finished cards to a local nursing home or military outreach group
• Add a note station to your food drive or donation table for extra impact

Whether you’re parked for a week or just passing through, your creativity can travel far. Let’s go the extra mile this season and spread more kindness, connection, and handmade hope—one card at a time.

Weaving Service Into Your Travels—All Year Long

Giving back as you RV isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about showing up with kindness, wherever you are. Whether you’re cooking, volunteering, or simply offering a smile, your impact travels with you.

Having a heart to serve, and the willingness to show up, is one of the most beautiful things about this lifestyle. Whether you're delivering a meal, lending a hand, participating in a beach clean-up or inviting someone to share dessert, you're choosing to be part of something bigger than yourself. And that choice matters more than you may ever know.

In a world that often feels disconnected, RVers have a unique opportunity to bring kindness wherever they go. Every campground, every community, every conversation is a chance to serve with purpose and leave a trail of compassion behind.

You have the power to help others feel connected and well-fed this November... but don’t stop there. Service doesn’t need a season. From roadside kindness to campground potlucks, from food drives to shared stories, every mile is a chance to make someone’s day a little brighter. Take the moment to stap and say hello & simply spread kindness.

Random Acts of Kindness Day (ROAK) began in 1995 in Colorado and has since grown into a global movement. While it's officially celebrated on February 17th you certainly can participate all year long.  Science shows that kindness boosts happiness, lowers stress, and strengthens community bonds—for both the giver and the receiver.

Easy Ways RVers Can Celebrate

• Leave a kind note on a neighbor’s picnic table or RV door
• Pay for someone’s coffee or propane refill at a nearby shop
• Offer help with setup or repairs to a fellow traveler
• Share a homemade treat or invite someone for dessert
• Donate gently used gear to a local shelter or outreach group
• Smile and greet everyone you pass—it’s simple, but powerful

Get your kids involved by creating a “Kindness Bingo” or crafting compliment cards. You can even host a mini kindness challenge at your campground or rally.

Giving back doesn’t require a fixed address, just a generous spirit and a little creativity.

Let’s make this season—and every season—one of service, gratitude, and heart. One campsite at a time.