Thanksgiving is going to be pretty crappy for a lot of Central Floridians this year. Yeah, a lot of us are grumbling because we can’t have the usual gathering of family and friends – we’ll get over it.

But others who are out of work and without assistance can’t even think about a big meal for themselves or their immediate family members.

If you’re in a position to help, consider volunteering for Heart of Florida United Way’s Thanksgiving Project. The second annual effort aims to put together 1500 meals this year.

There are a number of ways to get involved starting on Monday, Nov. 16, with Load In Day. This involves sorting and moving supplies and setting up packing areas. It is not recommended for kids under the age of 10.

But all ages are invited to be part of the Packing Party Days, Tues., Wed. and Thurs., Nov. 17-19. This involves assembling the meal kits and resource packets and decorating Thanksgiving notes for the recipient families.

Friday is Load Out Day, checking the meal kits and loading them into vehicles for transport to the distribution sites.

Distribution Day is Sat., Nov. 21, though most of those time slots have been filled.

Load In, Packing Party and Load Out Days will be at the Orange County Convention Center West Concourse. Distribution will be there and at the Osceola Council on Aging and the Seminole State College Sanford/Lake Mary campus.

Check here for a list of volunteer opportunities and time slots.

If you’re unable to volunteer but would like to help out with a donation, click here.

And if you’re in need of food assistance and would like to register to receive a meal kit, this link will take you there.