Thanksgiving During the Pandemic

I hope as you reflect during this season of thanks that your blessings are many. While the needs in our communities seem greater than ever, this time of year especially reminds us of opportunities to serve. Giving back may look a little different this year, but there are still many ways to contribute wherever you live. I’d like to share one of those ways which I recently discovered.

Every Friday morning for the past five weeks I have volunteered at Mission Southside in my hometown of Olathe to help sort and package food for distribution to underserved families in our area. The process begins as trucks off load surplus produce, frozen food, groceries, and bakery items donated from partnering restaurants and food distributors. The volunteers vary from high school seniors to retired seniors like myself and every age in between.

Wearing our masks and plastic gloves, we work at large tables and package food into family size zip-lock bags. Last week I sorted through boxes of green peppers; the week before it was frozen chicken breasts. The food is then packed into cardboard boxes and delivered to families that afternoon. Last Friday we prepared a whopping two tons of food! To me this process from beginning to end is a logistical marvel. 

Mission Southside’s purpose goes far beyond food distribution. They have over 300 families they are in relationships with and literally check in on them each week to see how they are managing the challenges of virtual school, job loss, spiritual needs, the Covid epidemic etc. To quote their newsletter, “We desire to be used by God to be a blessing to everyone we come in contact with.” You may not have a Mission Southside in your town, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you have a Salvation Army or a Ronald McDonald House or a food pantry near you that would appreciate a donation.  Even if you’re unable to participate in person, a donation of food, clothes, toys, money, or your time goes a long way, especially after the year we’ve had.

When you gather this Thanksgiving, most likely it will be a smaller version of your entire clan around the dining room table. Maybe you will share a meal with two or three. Maybe your loved ones will be far away, and you will communicate through Facetime or Zoom or a phone call. This year has been challenging for all of us and painfully difficult for others. Regardless, I hope on this holiday you find contentment as you give thanks for the blessings in your life. And reach out to that friend or family member who is alone or needs encouragement, who would love to hear from you, so you can be a blessing to them. Happy Thanksgiving!