Point of View
The Meaning Of Thanksgiving
By LaDale Anderson
Nov 15, 2012 - 7:06:38 PM

Thanksgiving Feast Photo Courtesy of DHS Foods

UNITED STATES—With Thanksgiving a little less than a week away, many are already beginning to salivate over the dishes that we will be feasting on while with our families, but there are those out there who are less fortunate than many of us.  So many of us forget about the importance of the holiday, being thankful for the families that we have, not realizing that there are so many out there who will spend Thanksgiving without their family.  

This is the time of year where giving should be a staple.  Even if it only involves us taking some time out of our busy schedules to help serve people at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, or taking can goods to local shelters to help feed the hungry.  If we all pitched in we can absolutely make a difference, its surprising to discover how thankful those who are having a difficult time because of the economy have their spirits lifted when they receiving a helping hand from a stranger.

To see a smile on the face of someone who knows they’ll have a hearty meal come Thanksgiving Day lights up my heart and soul.  Giving donations to the American Red Cross is something that is common for me as well.  Every time I see a red kettle I donate a dollar if possible, my thinking is I know that dollar is something that can help someone in need. 

Let it be our goal this Thanksgiving not just to think about our families, but those surrounding us like neighbors or even strangers who might be having a tough year and just by us giving a helping hand we are able to make a difference.