With the start of November, a popular pastime on Facebook and other social media sites has been something called “30 Days of Thankful” or some variation on the theme. The idea is to tell something different for which the poster is thankful each day of the month, an exercise that does much to remind participants just how blessed they are.

It might seem counterintuitive, but another way to focus on those blessings is to set one’s sights on being a blessing to someone else. As we move our focus onto others who are less fortunate, it becomes impossible to ignore the many ways God has enriched our own lives.

Impact Suffolk, a cooperative of churches from throughout the city, is giving folks in Suffolk a chance to shift their focus and be a blessing to others later this month. The organization annually provides a Thanksgiving meal for about 1,200 people, who file through the parking lot behind the Farm Fresh on North Main Street, stopping at booths manned by volunteers who hand out canned goods, bread, beans and other Thanksgiving staples. Volunteers are needed to help the 25 or so participating churches distribute the food and carry it to the recipients’ vehicles when necessary.

Anyone who has volunteered at the event in the past can confirm that it’s an uplifting morning of service, a blessing for those who receive the food and for those who help distribute it. It’s a great way to remind yourself of all that you have to be thankful for.

The giveaway will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. at the tennis courts behind Farm Fresh, 1401 N. Main St. For more information, visit www.impactsuffolk.org.