Organizations Are Hungry for Your Help

I came across an article this week about a family in South Mississippi that hosts a yearly Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings. Not so unusual until you consider that their guest list this year is expected to top 600 people. You see, for 22 years this particular clan has opened their "door" to give thanks to their community, and part of their contribution is to make sure that no one, from the homeless to the disabled, is left alone or wanting.

When I think of my family now and the rituals that have become part of this very important American holiday, I wonder if we have forgotten how truly fortunate we are. Particularly me, as a first generation American.

When my grandparents and parents landed from war-torn Europe, with no money in hand or a heated home to live in, a teaspoon of jam and a hot cup of tea was a luxury. Now, less than 60 years later, we gather around and give thanks over touchdowns and Black Friday bargains.

If ever there was a time to help, it would be now. Food pantries across the nation are struggling to keep their shelves stocked this holiday season, as more people than ever before are seeking food assistance and help to meet their basic needs.

All this talk about change starts at home, and as singles we have the good fortune of being able to make our own decisions about what we do with our free time. So this year I hope we all make a pledge to start a new tradition, one that might involves a little less football and shopping and a lot more giving of ourselves.