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‘Tis the season for giving thanks. And what better way to show your hometown appreciation than by giving back to the local community? Take a look at our top six picks for ways to help this week.
Trot: Burn a few calories before the big meal with a jog around Wash Park in Denver’s 40th annual Turkey Trot, a benefit for Mile High United Way. Bonus: This year’s festivities include post-race yoga and a craft beer garden. Thu. 8 a.m.; Washington Park, Denver
Dish It Out: Help the Source—Boulder’s emergency shelter for teens—host a Thanksgiving feast for homeless youth. Volunteers can prepare the dish at home and deliver it to the shelter or sign up to cook on-site, help set up, and serve it. Thu. noon-5 p.m.; 3080 Broadway Ave., Boulder
Shop: Kick off the gift-giving season by shopping for your furry family members first. On Black Friday, Chuck & Don’s pet supply store will donate one pound of pet food to the Food Bank of the Rockies for every customer that stops in between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. And for shoppers who bring in their pets, Chuck & Don’s will double the poundage. Fri. 7-9 a.m.; multiple locations
Be the Judge: Whiskers, beer, and live tunes abound at this first-ever beard and mustache competition hosted by Beards of Denver and Odyssey Beerwerks. All proceeds will be donated to help fight prostate and testicular cancer. Sat. 7 p.m.; 5535 W. 56th Ave. #107, Arvada
Taste: Check out some of the city’s best male chefs at this gala to benefit the Struggle of Love Foundation, Colorado Starlites Drum & Drill Team, and the Jazz C.A.F.E. They’ll prepare dozens of tasty treats, while attendees dance the night away and place bids at silent auction. Sat. 6 p.m.-12 a.m.; 3801 Quebec St., Denver
Sashay The Runway: Celebrate World AIDS Day at this locally-driven designer fashion soirée. Colorado’s freshest designers, hairstylists, and models will be showcasing their talent to benefit the Colorado AIDS Project. Sun. 7 p.m.; 1399 35th St., Denver
—Image courtesy of Chuck & Don’s