Serving from the Road: A Thanksgiving Conversation

Sponsored by RV Roofing Solutions

Want to make an impact in the communities you visit? Join the conversation in our Facebook community and share how you give back using #LTRVGivesBack.

Thanksgiving has us thinking about gratitude — counting our blessings, reflecting on what we have, and gathering around tables with people we love. But what if gratitude could become something more active? What if, instead of just feeling thankful, we could extend that thankfulness into action?

For RV families traveling across the country, finding ways to give back might seem complicated. How do you volunteer when you're only in town for two weeks? Where do you start looking for opportunities in unfamiliar communities? And can kids participate in meaningful service?

The answer is a resounding yes. From beach cleanups in the Florida Keys to delivering homemade lasagnas to families in need, organizing blessing bags in Las Vegas, or helping children's hospitals distribute encouraging cards, RVers are discovering that the transient lifestyle doesn't limit their ability to serve. It expands it. 

What This Episode Is About

In episode 13 of Learn To RV: The Podcast, we pull back the curtain on giving back while living life on the road. This isn't just a feel-good holiday episode. It's a practical, honest conversation about how full-time RV families, weekend warriors, and everyone in between can make meaningful contributions to the communities they visit, whether through organized programs or in simple, spontaneous ways.

The episode features three incredible guests who've created ways for service to be a cornerstone of our RV life:

• Tonja Lesmeister, Founder of Traveling With a Purpose, shares how to create sustainable impact in Jamaica.
• Andria Larson, Executive Director of Lasagna Love, explains how anyone can deliver comfort to neighbors in need, one homemade meal at a time.
• Christina Conlon, SeRV by Lippert Ambassador, breaks down how the initiative connects RVers with volunteer opportunities nationwide.

This episode is essential listening if you're:

• Wanting to feel more connected to the places you visit
• Looking for ways to teach your kids about service and community
• Feeling isolated on the road and craving deeper connection
• A retiree searching for renewed purpose in your travels
• Curious about volunteer opportunities designed specifically for RVers
• Interested in service trips you can join
• Looking for simple, spontaneous ways to make a difference without major time commitments
• Trying to add service events to your rally, group, or club gatherings

What You'll Learn: Making Big Change With Small Gestures

Giving back doesn't require elaborate planning or massive time commitments. Sometimes the most meaningful acts of service are the simplest ones — helping a neighbor walk their dog, organizing a campground potluck, or just showing up with a friendly face and willing hands.

Shifting your mindset from organized events only to everyday opportunities can transform your travel experience. Small acts like cleaning up debris after a storm, helping at a local food pantry, or delivering a meal to a family going through a hard time create powerful connections.

Worried your kids are too young to volunteer? Think again. From making cards to helping sort donations, there are age-appropriate ways for even the youngest family members to participate. And teaching kids to give back while traveling builds character, creates lasting memories, and helps them understand that they're part of something bigger than themselves.

Organized Opportunities That Travel With You

For those who want more structure, the episode introduces three game-changing organizations:

Lasagna Love connects volunteer cooks with families facing challenging times. Whether you're parked for a weekend or a month, you can get matched with a neighbor in need. With easy-to-follow scripts and printable ingredient lists provided, even nervous volunteers can feel confident serving their communities. Learn more at lasagnalove.org.

SeRV by Lippert takes the guesswork out of finding volunteer opportunities on the road. Their ambassador-led events happen at campgrounds and communities across the country, making it easy to show up and serve without researching or cold-calling organizations yourself. These events welcome families, retirees, and everyone in between. Find opportunities near you at servwithpurpose.com.

Traveling With a Purpose offers service trips to Jamaica, where RVers can contribute their unique skills to create a sustainable impact. With cultural training and scholarships available, these trips welcome travelers who want to go deeper than tourism. Explore upcoming trips and contribute to Hurricane Melissa relief at travelingwithapurpose.org.

Ready to Make Your Travel More Meaningful?

This episode won't just inspire you; it'll equip you with practical steps to start serving wherever you are right now. Whether you have two hours or two weeks, traveling solo or with a full crew, there are opportunities waiting for you.

Use #LTRVGivesBack to share your service stories, inspire other RVers, and discover creative ways families are giving back on the road. Your story might be what someone needs to hear to take their first step.

Where to Listen and How to Connect

Ready to discover how serving on the road can transform your RV experience? Listen to Episode 13: "Serving from the Road: A Thanksgiving Conversation" on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream your favorite podcasts.

Want to go deeper? Join our Patreon Campfire Crew for bonus content, extended interviews, and exclusive conversations with our guests. You'll also get early access to episodes, special merch, and a front-row seat to everything happening at Learn To RV.

Continue the conversation in our Learn to RV: The Podcast Community on Facebook.

Share your own service stories using #LTRVGivesBack, ask questions about getting started with volunteering, and connect with other RVers who are making a difference on the road.

For more resources on full-time RV living, building community, and finding purpose while traveling, explore the articles and guides at learntorv.com.

The Invitation

This Thanksgiving season, let gratitude spill over into action. Let your travels become more than just seeing new places — let them be about leaving those places better than you found them. Whoever you are and wherever you go, you have something valuable to offer.

The RV community is uniquely positioned to spread kindness across the country. We're not tied to one location. We can serve in Florida one month and Colorado the next. We can bring fresh energy and willing hands to communities that desperately need help. And in the process, we discover that giving back doesn't just change the communities we visit. It changes us, too.

Wherever you're parked this Thanksgiving, look around. Ask yourself:

• How can I leave this place better?
• What small act of kindness can I offer today?

The answer might surprise you. And it just might transform your entire RV experience.

Sponsored by RV Roofing Solutions

While you're out making a difference in communities across the country, RV Roofing Solutions protects your home on wheels. They help RVers avoid costly damage so they can keep traveling with confidence. Whether you need a complete roof replacement or just a thorough inspection, their experienced technicians understand the unique needs of the RV lifestyle. Visit rvroofingsolutions.com to start protecting your investment so you can focus on what matters most — serving others and living your best life on the road.

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