Giving Thanks

There must have been thousands of hamburger buns.  Or at least it seemed like it.  A group of volunteers diligently transferred huge bags of buns from the crates they were sitting in to large boxes where they would await distribution.  This was our first assignment when we volunteered at a local food bank this past week.  Turns out a McDonald's truck was involved in a minor traffic accident (no one was hurt) on it's way to deliver these buns to a local Mickey D's.  Well when the trailer tipped, the most famous food chain didn't want the buns anymore so instead, delivered them to the food bank.  This is where our task came in of transferring the buns from the McDonald's cart to boxes at the food bank.

The 'bun initiative' sparked many thoughts in my head as I'm sure it might spark a few as you are reading this.  I couldn't believe that a twist of fate had re-directed that delivery truck from providing thousands of dollar menu meals to providing thousands of meals that probably would have been eaten (or not eaten) sans-bread.  Thank goodness.

I feel I should candidly state my naivety.  Before spending time at the food bank, I was unaware of what a food bank actually entailed.  I thought it meant that people without homes could come and get a hot sandwhich or bowl of stew, or maybe we would help put together bagged lunches to hand out.  I had no idea that these banks provided canned goods, baked treats and even fresh produce for families that were forced to choose between paying their rent and bills and putting a hot meal on the table. These banks provide relief for these families and truly embody the spirit of giving.  And it's not only during the holidays but year-round.

Growing up my family participated in adopting a family for the holidays.  We would bring them food and gifts that they could open for Christmas.  Those are the most humbling of experiences.  The families we brought gifts too were utterly grateful.  In return they would make us a homemade dish to take with us - an offering of thanks.  At my previous job, my boss would adopt a family each year and I had the chance to go shopping for one of the children's wish lists.  Sweaters, jackets, a new backpack - all she wanted was the essentials.

This year, we are helping out with sponsoring a child at a local children's home.  She is a 15 year old girl and on her wish list is a new bedspread, shower gel and batteries.  I was trying to remember what was on my wish list when I was 15...

Tis' the season for giving.  I love the holidays for so many different reasons.  I truly believe it brings out the best in people.What better time to tell family and friends how thankful you are and what better time to help out a stranger? From bun initiative to shopping for a new bedspread - I have realized I'm already learning a lot this holiday season.  I have much to be thankful for - my health, my friends and my family.  What better way to celebrate that than to keep giving thanks.