Thanksgiving is about so much more than turkey and pie. It’s an opportunity to give thanks for what you have, and give back to others, too. Here are six ways you can pitch in—and score some tasty bites and sips along the way.


The Squeaky Bean may have closed last June, but its tradition (first started by Rosa Linda’s Mexican Cafe) of providing thousands of hungry Denverites with a free Thanksgiving meal endures. Acres, Warren Tech’s organic farm and greenhouse founded by the crew behind the Bean, will set up shop at Work & Class this year for a massive Thanksgiving Feed including items such as pulled turkey and farmhouse herbed stuffing. How does Acres pull off such a feat? With the help of sponsors, donations, and lots of hardworking volunteers, of course. Want to help? Volunteer for the Feed dinner here, and/or to donate, call 303-982-7889.

You’ve been growing out that mustache for No-Shave November, right? What better time to show it off than at Wynkoop Brewing Company’s Day of Darks, which benefits the Movember Foundation, Colorado Cancer Research Program, and Drink for Pink. Fill up on unlimited dark beer from over 30 craft breweries around the state, including Epic Brewing Company and Tivoli Brewing Co. Can’t make it to the event? Don’t fret. All month long, Wynkoop will donate $1 from its designated charity tap to the Movember Foundation. November 18, noon to 4 p.m., Wynkoop Brewing Co., 1634 18th St., 303-297-2700; $30-$35

Denver’s restaurant employees often work long days for little pay and appreciation. As a way of thanking these unsung heroes, Grower’s Organic, a Denver wholesale supplier, launched the Thanksgiving “Pay it Forward” giveaway. Local restaurants nominated an employee to receive a farm-to-table Thanksgiving meal and $200 to donate to the charity of their choice. From dozens of applicants, five extraordinary employees were selected, including James Hernandez from Bacon Social House and Nora Ramirez from Sazza Pizza. Throughout the month of November, Grower’s Organic will also be hosting a canned food drive. Bring a can (or ten!) to Grower’s Organic HQ and receive 15% off your purchase at its Thanksgiving mini-market. All cans will be donated to Metro Caring, an organization that works to end hunger in the Mile High City. The Thanksgiving mini market takes place November 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and November 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Grower’s Organic, 6400 Broadway, Unit 11, 303-299-9500

Aurora’s Dry Dock Brewing Co. is serving up the perfect combination of giving and getting at its 10th annual Shop the Dock. You can stock up on holiday gifts from over 25 local vendors, all while sipping on a cold Apricot Blonde. For the chance to win an awesome prize, bring at least two non-perishable food items (they’ll be donated to a local food bank). November 18, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dry Dock Brewing Co., 15120 E. Hampden Ave, Aurora, 303-4005606

Mercantile Dining & Provision and Fruition Restaurant are supporting wildfire relief efforts in California—with wine, of course. The restaurants are offering a special Napa and Sonoma wine list, including vino from some of the greatest vineyards in the United States, several of which were greatly impacted by recent fires. From November 14 through November 22, 10% of sales from this wine list will be donated to Napa and Sonoma Relief. Mercantile Dining & Provision, Union Station, 1701 Wynkoop St., Suite 155, 720-460-3733; Fruition, 1313 E. 6th Ave. 303-831-1962

Put your old coat to good use this winter. From November through January, casual American eatery the Rusty Bucket will host its seventh annual coat drive benefiting Salvation Army. Since the Rusty Bucket began doing the drive at its locations across the country in 2011, it has delivered 6,527 coats to those in need. Collection buckets are located in the restaurant, making it easy to donate before you settle in for some Rocky Mountain oysters. November 6–February 1, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., The Rusty Bucket, 3355 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Lakewood, 303-980-6200