YMCA and Beaufort area yoga instructors are coming together Saturday, November 22, from 1-5 p.m. at the YMCA of Beaufort County, 1801 Richmond Ave. in Port Royal, to offer “Grateful Hearts,” an afternoon of yoga directly benefitting those in need this Thanksgiving holiday.

Sponsored by the YMCA of Beaufort County and Holy Yoga Beaufort, the event aims to support the efforts of “The Giving” — an annual  community-wide, multi-church effort to provide Thanksgiving meals to those in need. Four yoga classes will be offered, each with variations on the theme of gratefulness and thanksgiving. The event is open to the public as well as YMCA members. Participants are asked to bring non-perishable Thanksgiving food items for a family of four or $20 and can choose to participate in one or all yoga classes offered.

“The practice of yoga goes well beyond the mat,” said Registered Holy Yoga Instructor Carrie Carper. “The yoga community as a whole is a loving, giving and helpful one, and it is no surprise that this event came together as quickly as it did. Yoga is a way of life, and this event is one example of how our practice can be taken off our mats and directly into the community around us.”

The schedule of yoga offerings is:

• 1:15-2 p.m.: All Levels Yoga with Carol Morrissey — “I am Thankful for You.”

• 2:15-3 p.m.: Hatha yoga with Sally Moona — “Blessings from the Sun to the Moon.”

• 3:15-4 p.m.: Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Ashlee Marcy — “Overflowing with Gratitude.”

• 4:15-5 p.m.: Holy Yoga with Carrie Carper — “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself.”

Suggested donations are frozen turkeys, potatoes, canned yams, green beans, cranberry sauce, and rolls. Items collected will be distributed Monday, November  24, at the YMCA to families referred by charitable agencies.