One of the best ways that we can express our thankfulness is by giving back to others who are in need or are less fortunate than we are.
Food insecurity is defined as “a person not being assured of three daily meals.” In DuPage County 10.3 percent of residents (nearly 100,000 people) and 19.6 percent of children are food insecure. There are many families in our greater community that have to rely on food pantries for a large portion of their meals each day, let alone Thanksgiving dinner. These food pantries rely on donations and volunteers to serve the thousands of people that come through their doors each month. There are many ways that we can give back to the community in which we live perhaps through these food pantries.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.”
–Albert Einstein
Visit the Community Hunger Network (CommunityHungerNetwork.org) to find the local food pantries and contact them to find out what their greatest needs are.
Hesed House (HesedHouse.org) is another source of meals for the less fortunate in our community via their shelter program. The PADS program (Public Action to Deliver Shelter) from Hesed House also relies heavily on volunteers and donations.
There are many ways we can give back in our community and these are only a few.
While we enjoy the many abundant blessings we have this month, and as we prepare to gather with family and friends around a big spread of food on Thanksgiving, let’s also remember individuals in need and find a simple way to give back.
Often those of us who are serving and giving end up being blessed the most.
