Be Thankful and Serve~

Wellness Wednesday

Tomorrow is a day that Americans give thanks for the blessings in their lives and in the communities where they live.  I am very thankful for the opportunity to give time at the Thanksgiving Throw down at the United Methodist Church where the Boys Scouts & Girl Scouts served a thanksgiving meal to anyone who wanted a warm meal. There were over 350 people served that evening.  It is gratifying to see young people smiling and serving their community. 

With the weather in the 20`s I shivered as I entered the building.  I found myself passing people in coveralls and standing in the foyer of the church for warmth waiting for the meal to be served. It was quit humbling to see so many people in need. As I entered the basement of the church I could smell the aroma of Turkey baking. I saw sweet little faces waiting for the meal to be served fidgeting in their seats. Several people smiled and seem grateful for the warm church basement and a meal. The Girls and Boys Scouts wander around the room serving hot coffee to the group with genuine kindness. 

Watching a mom with her three children tugging at her shirt asking “when do we get to eat?” made me ask myself, why is this mom here, why doesn’t she have enough to feed her children?  There are so many in need in our community. Moving throughout the room chatting with the people made me appreciate what I have even more.  The group included the homeless, men living at the mission, families without enough food, mothers with children, impaired elderly folks, young /teenage children.  

I have told my husband how much I admire Mother Teresa and want to emulate that kind of love and real compassion for our community.  Being a part of this caring event was a good start giving back to this community.  We (my husband and I) will be ringing the bells this season as well as giving to Toys for Tots and however else we can serve and make a difference.

Below are a few places you can start giving today:

*Salvation Army: donate your time to ring the bell, or donate food items

*Muncie Mission: donate your time to help serve a meal. Donate food/money/clothing

*Toys for Tots: donate toys

*Feed My Sheep: donate time, food, or money

*Second harvest food bank: donate food items, money

*Nursing homes: donate your time to visit the residents

There are many ways to help the community during this holiday season, find out how you can serve.