Sayville Area Gratitude Scavenger Hunt

Are you looking for ways you and your family can cultivate and express gratitude this Thanksgiving season? Here are some great ideas of things to FIND or DO with your family to show your gratitude for the community we live in. Share photos of your acts of gratitude on instagram and be sure to tag us @sayvilleareamoms and use #gratefulmamasclub for a chance to be featured!

Something that is good for you

Go for a nature walk at Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Bundle up and head outside for some fresh air, it’s so good for you mentally and physically, too. Connetquot River State Park Preserve maintains 3,473 acres of land and water for the protection and propagation of game birds, fish and animals. Deer and waterfowl are numerous, rare nesting birds, including the osprey, are present and there are numerous rare plants, and other interesting flora, such as trailing arbutus and pink lady’s slipper in their natural habitats. The preserve also has 50 miles of hiking, horseback riding, cross-country ski and nature trails, as well as fishing (by permit only) on the Connetquot River.

Something that is good for others

photo from Long Island Cares

Volunteer with a local organization that gives back to our community

Starfish Swap
Provides curated boxes of seasonal clothing and accessories to students in our area.
Personal shoppers use student’s completed Style Surveys to gather the best selections for their size and style. If you would like to volunteer to be a Personal Shopper for students sign up via the link above.
Volunteer groups meet on Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM and Thursday mornings from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
Once a month weekend sessions will be available for children ages 11 and up to volunteer while accompanied with an adult.

Have a Heart Children’s Cancer Society
They are currently looking for volunteers to help us at events. If you’re interested you can simply fill out the form via the link above. If you need any additional information you can email us at [email protected]

Lighthouse Mission
Help the Homeless of Long Island by donating food and clothing to Light House Mission.

Habitat for Humanity
Volunteers are central to Habitat Suffolk’s mission. What started as a grass-roots effort has now become a structured endeavor devoted to providing decent and affordable homes for families in need. We need funding to operate, however we wouldn’t move forward without our volunteers! Check out the individual volunteer opportunities via the link above.

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian Center
Volunteers are the backbone of Pal-O-Mine. Our mission would not be fulfilled if not for the dedication of our volunteer force. Our work would not be possible without the efforts of our dynamic and unique team where there is one goal…to facilitate growth, learning and healing through the use of our equine partners in an emotionally and physically safe environment.For more information on the opportunities available and how to get involved, visit the link above.

Sharing a Meal- Sayville
Our volunteers treat every guest with kindness, dignity and respect in a warm welcoming atmosphere. Sometimes a warm smile and a kind word, mean as much as a hot meal. Sharing a Meal serves over 5,000 meals annually to those in need in our community. We use a “team” concept and each volunteer joins a team, serving once or more times a month. Each team works together to set up, prepare and serve the meal and clean up afterwards.
If you are interested in cooking or serving on a team, and are 18 or older please contact our volunteer coordinator Donna @ 631-833-1957

Long Island Cares
Long Island Cares supports nearly 600 food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency shelters, some of which need the support of regular volunteers. Volunteer just a few hours of your time with Long Island Cares and help make a difference in the lives of thousands of Long Islanders who are experiencing hunger, poverty or food insecurity.

Donate food to one of the several Thanksgiving food drives going on locally.

Here is a list of drop off places coordinated through Long Island Cares – Please contact each site individually to find out hours/location for drop-offs and if they have any specific needs.

Something that makes you feel strong

• Participate in a race
  • Smiles Turkey Trot
• Join a Gym or Yoga Studio
• Take a hike/walk in the park

Something that brings others happiness

• Paint rocks & hide them- There is a whole facebook group dedicated to this, apparently!
• Write positive notes to leave in the community: on bulletin boards, etc.
• Spend time with a senior and listen to their stories. There are many nursing homes and Assisted Living facilities in our area!
• Pay it forward in the drive thru line at Starbucks and pay for the person in line behind you.