Every business has a story. The story of where the idea started, how it got off the ground or that moment where you almost threw in the towel. It all began with a dream only you could envision, but needed assistance to grow. Whether through financial or emotional support, your community is an essential player in any great business.

A successful business is nothing without supporters. Regardless of whether you're providing a product or service, a company must never forget its profitability is due to those who graciously support it. With Thanksgiving around the corner, this is a great opportunity to give back to your community of devotees.

Giving is by far the most important part of Thanksgiving, and it's never too late to join the cause. Your company can begin making an impact in the community this Thanksgiving with these service activities. A few options may be long-term activities, but this is the perfect time to prepare for next Thanksgiving's service.

Be part of a fundraiser

Inquire in your city about fundraisers such as Turkey Trot marathons to benefit local charities and good causes to raise money for families in need. Brainstorm ways to contribute or become one of the event sponsors.

Provide your employees with information on the race and with enough support, this could be a potential company outing with everyone participating in the race.

Arrange a canned food drive

Organize a canned food drive within the office. Choose an organization for the company to support and decide on a single-site drop off or event-related food drive. Set a timeline and encourage individuals to bring in as many canned goods as possible.

Don't be afraid to match donations with a monetary amount; it's all in the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Plan a book drive

Support your local library by planning a book drive in the community. Coordinate with the library on the specifications of book donations and publicize the event details, using your workplace or a neighborhood location.

Companywide community service

Plan a companywide community service outing. Research different opportunities, such as volunteering at a soup kitchen or The Salvation Army. Choose an activity that aligns with the company's mission statement and contact the organization to discuss planning. This is the perfect activity to support community initiatives and bond as co-workers.

There are also a lot of great options to perform individual community service. These tasks will only take a few hours, then you can spend the rest of the Thanksgiving holiday with your family. These options could also be utilized for a companywide community service event.

Donate blood

Give thanks for your health, along with your families. Look over your schedule and contact the Red Cross to schedule an appointment to donate blood. Remember to bring your ID and arrive hydrated. This is a great activity to do as a family and show how grateful you are for the gift of life.

Sponsor a family in need

By sponsoring a family for Thanksgiving, you'll be able to help provide food, clothing and other necessities to a family in need. Family-to-Family.org is a great site to connect you with an individual family in need.

Volunteer at a soup kitchen

Soup kitchens are often overflowing with hungry families on holidays and they could use any extra assistance. Visit The National Coalition for the Homeless to find a local soup kitchen, and inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Roles include setup, cooking, serving, making deliveries and cleaning. As long as you're flexible and committed to helping, you'll be indispensable for the day!

Deliver meals to people in need

Look for organizations that bring Thanksgiving meals to people in need. The Meals on Wheels program is one of the most reputable organizations nationwide. You'll be tasked with picking up meals and delivering to those in need. Simple enough!

Volunteer at a local hospital or nursing home

Contact the organization of your choice and speak with the volunteer coordinator about assisting during the holidays. There are several ways to give back, such as making get-well cards. On Thanksgiving Day, you may be spending the day with a patient, decorating or creating activities for residents.

The opportunities are endless, and it's a great way to make someone's Thanksgiving special. Many people feel lonely on the holidays, and you can make a big impact.

Support our troops

Assist troops who are away from their family during the holiday by creating care packages. Anysoldier.com will help you build and send the packages.

You can also volunteer at a Veterans Center as an escort greeter, transport patients to appointments and perform other duties. Visit the Department of Veterans Affairs site for opportunities.

Both options show troops how much they're appreciated and show vets their service has not been forgotten.

Volunteer at a Salvation Army

The holiday season is busy at the Salvation Army, and you can volunteer by helping families in need of assistance in a variety of ways. You can assist with delivering meals, taking down their information or helping them explore their options. Contact your local Salvation Army for details and other programs.

As Audrey Hepburn once said, "You have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others."

A business is almost equivalent to your own child. You helped to develop it from birth, and you now nurture its growth. You never stop pushing it to be its best, just as you can never stop appreciating those who have helped along the way.

It's easy to forget the essence of a company's success and even easier to forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Use this holiday to support your local community in any way you can.