Pause, reflect and give back.

In these tough economic times you may have trained yourself to go a mile a minute. Efficiency has become your middle name.  To stay ahead of the holiday season, you’ve planned out your Black Friday checklist, one store sale (or Foursquare promo) at a time.  But wait.  There’s something going on this Thursday, right?  Shoot!  You forgot to pencil in Thanksgiving.

Sounds like you need to pause, reflect and give back.  Whether football, turkey or parades are your thing, take some time out of your Thanksgiving holiday to express gratitude and lend a helping hand.  And while you too are still feeling the effects of the down economy, there are people right in your community who are worse off.

YDT-approved picks for volunteering in person or online this Thanksgiving week and beyond:

• Gobble Gobble Give: In its twelfth year, this organization brings people together to feed, clothe and spread joy to L.A.’s homeless on Thanksgiving Day.  There’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved from preparing food the night before to packaging and delivering or simply donating goods or money to the effort.  Join over 700 volunteers at The Echo at 10 a.m. on Thursday to lend a helping hand.  You’re done by 1 p.m. –  just in time to enjoy family dinner.  For more information visit www.gobblegobblegive.org.

• Food on Foot: This Hollywood-based non-profit still has some needs for volunteers for its Thanksgiving Day event.  From 2 -5 p.m., distribute meals, warm sleeping bags and bus tokens to Hollywood’s homeless. Sign up quickly as spaces are running out!  Visit www.foodonfoot.org.

• Operation Gratitude: No one deserves our gratitude more than our troops this holiday season.  Donate materials and money or volunteer your time to prep care packages full of food, toiletries, books, movies, clothing and personal letters for our nation’s finest.  To inquire,visit www.opgratitude.com.

• can do.: CB2’s food drive puts food in the bank and money in your pocket.  Through Wednesday the 24th, bring in seven perishable food items to CB2’s Santa Monica or West Hollywood stores and save 15% on your in-store purchase.  Thanksgiving tabletop décor anyone?  Find more information at www.cb2.com.

• Begslist: Be an online Good Samaritan via Begslist, where you can donate money, goods and services directly to a “beg” posted by someone in need.  As a donor, you’re able to scroll through posts until you find one that inspires you to give.

You have a lot going on.  But remember to pencil in giving on your Thanksgiving checklist –The results will be gratifying.

From all of us at YDT, we thank you for being part of our community and wish you a warm, plentiful holiday filled with family and friends!