Now that November is here, and Labor Thanksgiving Day  (Saturday, 23 November) and the larger holiday season are on the horizon, it's a great time to start thinking about ways your family can give back! There are a lot of opportunities around Tokyo to volunteer, donate or otherwise spend time as a family helping out the causes you care about. And many don't require Japanese language skills, either! Check out a few of our suggestions below.

 

 

If you're unsure where to start, or don't have any particular activity in mind, there are a couple of organizations in Tokyo that can help you out! HandsOn Tokyo is a multifaceted volunteer organization that connects volunteers with several different causes - from disaster relief to elderly companionship to playing basketball with children who have intellectual disabilities. The Japan International Volunteer Center runs volunteer projects abroad in several countries, but if you'd prefer to stay close to home, there are also opportunities to assist in their Tokyo office.

 

Have furniture, old appliances or a bike or two that your family has outgrown? The Salvation Army, based out of Suginami, will come to your home to pick up bigger items if you're not able to drop them off yourself. If you're culling old toys in anticipation of receiving new ones over the holidays, consider donating to the Tokyo and Kobe "Rainbow Houses" of Ashinaga. Ashinaga is a multinational non-profit that specifically helps to provide orphaned children with stability, support and education following the loss of their parents.

 

The holidays are traditionally a time for families to get together and enjoy a delicious meal (or two). Meal distribution and food pantries are wonderful ways to help give the less fortunate a similar experience, especially as the weather gets colder. Second Harvest Tokyodelivers hot meals in Ueno Park weekly and also provides care packages directly to families in need. You can help with meal prep, distribution or even organize a food drive at your office or apartment building.

 

 

If you have a soft spot for the four-legged and furry residents of Tokyo who need help, check out Ark! While this organization doesn't have a shelter in Tokyo (all the local animals are fostered), they do need help during the adoption fairs they hold regularly throughout the city. Volunteers help distribute informational pamphlets, set-up and break-down and, of course, talk with interested adopters.

 

The holidays can be especially tough for people dealing with depression or other mental illness. TELL Japan was established in the 1970s to provide mental health support for the international population of Tokyo. Today, they've expanded their services to include family counseling and child assessments, but are still always in need of volunteers for their Lifeline support system.