“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” Mother Teresa
So, here we are at the 20th Annual Feed-A-Friend. Wow. That’s a lot of food and a lot of money collected during the holidays times 20. But still, the need is greater than ever before.
I know there are hundreds of families in the Monadnock Region alone, asking for help this year. These are folks who always managed to make ends meet before. But now with food prices so high and the cost of home heat being what it is, the extra money just isn’t there.
I suspect people will be going without new warm winter coats this year or wearing something old, instead. I’m all in favor of wearing old stuff…as long as you want to wear it and don’t have to wear it. Big difference there.
Over the 13 years I’ve been part of Feed-A-Friend, there have been many times I spent Thanksgiving alone, without the turkey or the trimmings. One year I had canned soup in the house, that was it. So I know from whence I speak when I say I understand how people are feeling out there. It can be downright depressing, if not overwhelming.
Luckily for me, I was able to help raise money and generate food donations and that made my heart feel good. So going home to an empty house and a can of soup really didn’t hurt too much. I dare say it probably didn’t even phase me one iota. Mostly, I was and am thankful for having a roof over my head and my furry family to keep me company.
We all have things to be thankful for; even the poorest amongst us. To have good health is to have all the riches in the world. To have caring friends is like having a support staff. To have our parents is like having guardian angels on earth. To have our grandparents is an added blessing.
So whatever it is you have this November 27th, be thankful. There are hundreds if not thousands being helped by your holiday generosity whether it be through Feed-A-Friend or some other charity. But let us remember, there are 365 days in a hungry man’s year, not just one.