Helping Others In Need

On Thanksgiving Day, I can’t help but think of those who are not so blessed as to have plenty to eat, a warm home to call their own, or warm, clean, untattered clothing to wear daily.  It is a tradition in my household to go around the table and have everyone express what they are thankful for on Thanksgiving.  I encourage my sons to say Grace or give thanks at each meal, but on Thanksgiving all people at the table express thanks.

Who doesn’t love a huge Thanksgiving Feast, with all the trimmings?  I enjoy the Thanksgiving meal and holiday experience all the more, if I’ve first made a difference for someone else who is not as fortunate. Maybe someone recently lost a job, or a spouse, or got behind on their house payments. Perhaps a fire unexpectedly rendered a family homeless.  It isn’t hard to look around us, often in our own community, and find someone in need who would appreciate a little extra help.

A tradition I’ve enjoyed over the years is purchasing and packing up food baskets and delivering them to families in need throughout the Metro Detroit Community, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.  I’ve done this with friends, my children, and my church community for many years. The thing I remember most is the gratitude on the faces of the young children who open their door and get wide eyed at the sight of the big laundry basket filled with food.  You can almost see their eyes and beaming smile telling you, “we’re going to eat today!”  The food generally provides meals for the week for a family, as the basket is filled with useful items like a fresh turkey, a gallon of milk, a loaf of bread, peanut butter, a bag of fresh apples or oranges, pumpkin pie mix, etc.

Although the giving period is over, here’s what the concept involved:

THANKSIVING BASKETS

On Saturday, Nov. 19, volunteers gathered for the 17th year at one of five urban ministry centers in Metro Detroit and Greater Orlando, then headed outdoors to make a difference. Participants had the option to purchase and donate baskets, deliver baskets, or both.  Over 2000 families in need were provided food in the Metro area.

1.  Donate a Basket

A gift of $40 provided one overflowing laundry basket, filled with culturally sensitive foods to help the area’s neediest families. 

2.  Deliver a Basket

Hundreds of Kensington volunteers have made helping others part of their holiday tradition. On November 19th, they packed baskets at one of 5 central locations, and personally delivered them to the grateful recipients. 

3.  Volunteer Behind the Scenes

Thos who wanted to help, but couldn't purchase or deliver the baskets were able to contact Kensington Church and offer other forms of assistance.

I asked some other friends about their favorite way to help those less fortunate. Here’s what they said:

1.  One friend, who is a pilot, had this tradition to share:

For the past 13 years my brother and I volunteer for Operation Good Cheer (www.cfsm.org) on the first Saturday of December. As pilots, we fly toys and bikes to selected destinations throughout Michigan.  We have transported up to seven bikes in our Baron on one trip.  My brother, the engineer,  is very good at getting as many as possible to fit in the cabin and nose of our aircraft.  Can you still remember your Christmas when you received your first bike and how it made you feel?

For the past six years we have bought gifts for 30 underprivileged children ranging in age from one to 17 years old. All gifts are donated by other individuals or organizations (approx 10,000 ea year) as well but with Michigan’s economical blithe most companies have not be able to continue.

Operation Good Cheer was started some 35 years ago and has over 100 ground and pilot volunteers. It is quite an under taking for controllers at Oakland County Airport but a site to behold come rain, snow or shine.

During the year I fly patients for medical treatment through www.wingseastmi.org, served on their board for 7 years and co-chaired the annual golf outing.

People should know that the smallest “act of kindness” is always greatly appreciated.

2.  One family mentioned their annual tradition of:

Buying gifts for a family in need during the Holiday season.

3.  My church also has a tradition called the Christmas Revolution.  It involves setting aside a portion of the holiday spending budget and diverting it to one of 10 or 12 causes that fits within your budget. Some of the needs are local, and others are international.  Click here for details.

4.  I recently heard Mitch Albom speak about 4 local charities he’s actively involved with as a way to give back for all he’s been blessed with.  He confessed, this is some of the most meaningful work he’s ever done, above and beyond sports writing, making movies, authoring books, and hanging out with celebrities. To learn more and to watch this video of Mitch’s talk, click here.

5.  The board members of a local non profit, Operation Kid Equip, challenged their President and CEO by asking the local community to help them raise $2,500 in the month of November.  Upon reaching that goal, the CEO would wear an elf costume for a week.  The organization provides school supplies, books and dictionaries to children who are at-risk.

6.  Another friend told me that if she sees someone at a diner/restaurant, that appears to be having a hard time in life, she will quietly pay for their bill and leave.

7.  Another friend also enjoys feeding the hungry, but in a different way.  This year she will be serving meals at a sharehouse, with an outreach group her church works with.  In the past, during her college days, she volunteered as a float painter and decorator for the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

8.  Serving meals at a local VFW Hall for Veterans and their family members has become a Thanksgiving tradition for another friend.  She and some friends also enjoy celebrating Hanukkah with seniors at an assisted living facility.

9.  Other friends said they like to provide cash gifts, food, a live Christmas tree with lights and decorations, and/or spending time with those less fortunate.

Points to ponder and share:

• What’s your favorite way to make a difference for someone in need?
• What traditions do you have for offering thanks?