No school: 5 ways to make the week off count

With Clear Creek and Friendswood schools out for Thanksgiving week, it wouldn't be hard to let the week slip by with nothing more accomplished than a high score on Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
Here are five ways to make your family's time count:
Before you start shopping for your own feast, Bay Area Turning Point -- a shelter for abused women and children -- needs volunteers to help with its Fill the Truck Food Drive at local Kroger stores this Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20 and 21. Find out more.
Make Christmas cards for nursing homes and community centers. Arrange to deliver your homemade cards on Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day through Volunteer Houston Bay Area or just drop them off at the organization's Bay Area Boulevard office. Find out more.
Go ahead and indulge on Thanksgiving Day, but get off on the right foot that morning at the first Bay Area Turkey Day 10K and 5K Fun Run. Proceeds benefit Clear Lake's YMCAs. Find out more.
If you one of those people who love to take advantage of the after-Thanksgiving toy sales, how about getting in line for a good cause? The League City Police Department's collecting new toys and bikes through Dec. 7 for families who can't afford much merriment this year. Find out more.
End your time off on a high note. Interfaith Caring Ministries, an organization that helps Clear Lake's working poor, needs volunteers to deliver Christmas trees on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 28 and Nov. 29. Find out more.
Click here for a Christmas wishlist from organizations that help your neighbors in need.