Do something a little extra this Thanksgiving as you sit down to a nice meal with family and close friends.
Give thanks for the love and care of those around you, tell them how important they are to you and be grateful for the ability to put food on your table. Then take a little time to think about the families and individuals in our community, those who struggle to make ends meet each day.
Some of them are ill and unable to work, others are trying to raise a family on minimum wage while others find themselves on a fixed income and utterly alone, especially the elderly.
Invite a shut-in for dinner, spread a little joy and give thanks for your own fortunes.
Make a donation to the food banks in our community. Huntsville has two and as winter hits and heating bills increase, there will be a greater demand for their services.
This year has been particularly difficult as the response to a weaker economy by both the public and private sectors has been to trim fat – sometimes right to the bone. Donations are also down, probably because some of those who have a culture of giving are also feeling the pinch. So if you haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving by giving to the food banks in your community, make this the year.
Perhaps you’ve been growing your own vegetables and have had a bountiful harvest.
Give thanks for your blessings by sharing the fruits of your labour with our local food banks. Squash keeps for a long time.
Do it if for no other reason than to ensure food banks continue to operate and help in your community, because there may come a day when you or a loved one may need one.
So, as we sit down with family, close friends and the warmth that a table of food and good company can bring this Thanksgiving season, taking a little time to think and help others will make our community a better place.
Happy Thanksgiving.
TdV