ITS TIME TO GIVE BACK...

Written Sunday, November 8th, 2009 by TrishB

As Thanksgiving approaches, my stress level reaches its annual high as I worry about my menu, the number and size of turkeys I have yet to cook, and whether or not everyone will fit comfortably around my dining room table. I share this day, as many Americans do, with loved ones in the comfort of my home. I fill myself with all the holiday delectables and spend the remainder of the day either pretending to watch football or chatting with family and friends.

I must confess that I am often guilty of losing sight of the underlying spirit of this holiday: giving thanks for all we have. I become consumed with the myriad of tasks and ultimately the celebration, overlooking the millions of less fortunate Americans unable to similarly celebrate. Their fears are unlike mine. Many worry whether or not they will even have a next meal. They are not strangers living on the other side of the world. They live in every community, their children attend school with mine. With Madoff, the stock market crash, the unraveling of U.S. financial institutions, and the failure of the auto industry, this country has witnessed unemployment and homelessness reach epic proportions.

With these things in mind, this Thanksgiving I am pledging to make a difference in the life of others less fortunate and honor the true meaning and spirit of this holiday.

My motto for this Thanksgiving: DONATE. PREPARE. DELIVER OR SERVE.

There are so many different ways to help. Here are just a few:

Volunteer in a local homeless shelter, soup kitchen or food bank.
Organize a food drive and donate the food to a soup kitchen.
Visit a local hospital and spend time with patients alone this holiday.
Visit a nursing home. Bring your kids and spend time with the elderly reading a book, taking a walk or playing a game.
Contact the Red Cross, Salvation Army or other non-profit organization in your area and ask how you might help.
Instead of bringing flowers or a gift to your Thanksgiving host, give a donation to your local food bank, soup kitchen or organization helping those in need. Check out Feedingamerica.org.
Thank our soldiers by sending them care packages through organizations such as TreatsForTroops.com.
Sign up for a Turkey trot or community run or walk that donates its proceeds to those in need.

Or join me, along with HHM and BlogCatalog.com as they unite to help the hungry with their BROWN BAG PROJECT. Bloggers will unite by using their blogs to inspire others to help those who need it most. During the week leading up to Thanksgiving, take some time away from your holiday preparation. Contact your church, synagogue, clubs or school and ask them to help you locate needy families in your community. Then pack up your brown bags with non-perishables such as stuffing mixes, boxed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, canned corn, cranberry sauces, coupons for a turkey and pumpkin pie. Fill the bags with practical items in addition to delicious goodies. Get your kids, neighbors and friends to help you hand deliver them to these families. Attach a card saying "from someone who cares about you." It’s not about getting credit for what you did, it’s about making one day special for someone in need. Take pictures of you and your helpers packing these bags. On November 21, 2009 join us on HHM for a community discussion, share your experiences, and post your photos. If you can't take time to PREPARE, PACK OR DELIVER, please consider making a donation to a local food bank or other non profit organization.

Remember, now is the time to start making a change. As Anne Frank said, "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Please join me!

Tags: blogging, community member, cooking, family, food blogging, Thanksgiving

This entry was posted on Sunday, November 8th, 2009 at 10:02 am and is filed under Community Discussions, Uncategorized. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.