Thanksgiving in America has always been a time for gratitude, family, and food, but this year, the spirit of giving has taken on new meaning in communities across the country. As November 27, 2025, dawned, two inspiring movements—one rooted in music and faith, the other in athletic camaraderie—came together to remind Americans that Thanksgiving is as much about helping others as it is about turkey and pie.
In Nashville, singer-songwriter Matthew West and his father, Joseph West, are urging people to embrace what they’re calling a “Do Something Thanksgiving.” Their message, shared on Matthew’s podcast last week, is simple yet profound: don’t just count your blessings—be a blessing to someone else. “Not everyone is going to have a happy Thanksgiving,” Joseph West reflected. “Some families find themselves in turmoil. Others find themselves facing a storm head-on, while others face their first Thanksgiving with an empty chair.”
The Wests’ call to action comes at a time when many are still reeling from the devastating Texas floods of July 2025, which claimed the lives of hundreds, including many children. “Our prayers, our heart goes out to so many that have faced tragedy in the year of 2025,” Joseph said, reminding listeners of the importance of compassion during the holiday season. He specifically mentioned the family of Charlie Kirk and the Turning Point nation, emphasizing the need to keep those who are grieving in our thoughts.
“Let’s remember those who are hurting and determined to have a do something Thanksgiving,” Joseph continued, encouraging others to be aware of those in need and to help, even if they themselves are struggling. He cited Galatians 6:2—“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ”—and urged listeners to give out of their own need if necessary. “Maybe it’s you and your family in need this year,” he acknowledged, inviting people to reach out to Matthew’s prayer wall for support.
Joseph shared a touching anecdote about a couple in a small group who, despite facing financial hardship, wrote the largest check during a collection for a family in need—unaware that the collection was actually for them. “Even though they were hurting, they wanted to help someone else. My advice is to have the best do something Thanksgiving ever. There’s no greater feeling or reward than to help others,” he said.
The inspiration behind this movement is Matthew West’s song “Do Something,” a rallying cry for people to take action in their communities. The song’s lyrics capture the frustration and hope many feel in the face of overwhelming need: “I just couldn’t bear the thought of people living in poverty, children sold into slavery. The thought disgusted me. So, I shook my fist at Heaven, said, ‘God, why don’t You do something?’ He said, ‘I did, I created you.’”
West’s message extends beyond charitable acts to the power of prayer. Through his “Don’t Stop Praying” song and campaign, he encourages people to pray for families, friends, enemies, the nation, and the world. “We’ve all been to a place where discouragement can make us wonder if God really hears our prayers. I wrote this song for anybody who’s ever felt like giving up or losing their faith,” West explained on Instagram.
Meanwhile, in Palm Beach, Florida, another tradition of giving is taking place. The Town of Palm Beach United Way is hosting its 17th annual Turkey Trot 5K, a sold-out event expected to draw about 1,600 runners and walkers. The race, which kicks off Thanksgiving morning, isn’t just about fitness—it’s about feeding local families in need. Last year, the Turkey Trot raised an impressive $72,660, which funded 6,288 meals for Palm Beach County residents.
The course winds through the scenic North End of Palm Beach, starting at Bradley Park, passing under the landmarked tree canopy of North County Road, and skirting the waterfront before looping back down Lake Trail. Francesca Coniglio Finck, who co-chaired last year’s event and returns this year with her husband William, sister Gabrielle Coniglio Fricker, and brother-in-law Scott Fricker, told the Palm Beach Daily News that the event’s growth is “really beautiful to see, because our purpose is to give back to the community, so the more people that join, the more we’re able to give back.”
The Turkey Trot starts bright and early at 7 a.m. with the Kids’ Drumstick Dash, followed by the main 5K at 7:30 a.m. For those unable to participate in person, donations are being accepted online at PalmBeachUnitedWay.org/Turkey-Trot, ensuring that anyone can contribute to providing holiday meals for those in need. The event is underwritten by a host of sponsors, including Livingston Builders Inc., the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Lisa Wilkinson, and Findlay Galleries, alongside a roster of platinum and gold sponsors from across the local business community.
“The Turkey Trot is a wonderful way to start Thanksgiving Day,” said one organizer, “but more importantly, it’s a way to ensure that everyone in Palm Beach County has the opportunity to enjoy a meal and feel cared for during the holiday.” The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose is palpable, as runners, walkers, and volunteers unite to make a tangible difference in their neighbors’ lives.
Both the West family’s “Do Something Thanksgiving” and Palm Beach’s Turkey Trot highlight a growing movement across the country: a Thanksgiving defined not just by what we receive, but by what we give. Whether it’s through a song that inspires action, a heartfelt prayer, or a 5K that feeds thousands, Americans are finding new ways to come together and care for one another.
For some, these acts of kindness are deeply personal. The memory of lost loved ones, like those affected by the Texas floods, or the struggles of families facing their first Thanksgiving without a familiar face at the table, serve as powerful reminders of the fragility—and resilience—of the human spirit. For others, giving is a way to express gratitude for their own blessings, to pay forward the kindness they’ve received, or to simply be part of something larger than themselves.
In the end, the message rings clear: Thanksgiving is more than a holiday; it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to “do something,” to run for a cause, to pray for others, and to lift up those who need it most. As Joseph West put it, “God will use you to lift someone up.” And as communities from Nashville to Palm Beach have shown, a little generosity can go a long way—sometimes, it’s all that’s needed to turn a holiday into a true celebration of hope and compassion.