Thanksgiving has always held a special place in my heart. The aroma of turkey fills the air, and little handprints from our craft projects embellish the dining table. There’s something magical about savoring a plate piled high with turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and a dollop of cranberry sauce. I relish the leftover sandwiches that grace our dinner table the following day and can’t resist a slice of pecan pie for breakfast. Above all, I cherish the opportunity to focus on what truly matters: gathering in the home I love, surrounded by those I hold dear, and enjoying their company.
However, this year has been particularly difficult for many. The struggles faced by others often weigh heavily on my mind. I hear stories like these:
“I can hardly afford to feed my family. It’s truly humiliating. I tried to get a food box but was turned away because I make too much money, and all I could do was cry. I have no food. I work at a welfare office, and I can’t even confide in my family about how dire things are. Thanksgiving dinner? That’s a joke. I can’t even manage to buy a loaf of bread.”
“My husband recently lost his job, and I’m at a loss for how we’ll put food on the table.”
While I’ve faced my share of stress, I’ve never had to worry about feeding my family. I consider myself fortunate. It’s been weighing on me to find a way to make a difference, even if just for one night. My hope is that every parent can savor a Thanksgiving dinner without the burden of financial worry—enjoying a meal with loved ones and raising a glass to a brighter year ahead.
According to USA Today, the average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for ten people is around $43.47. For many, that’s an affordable price for a night filled with comfort food, both for the body and soul.
If you’re in need of assistance this Thanksgiving, please share your situation in the comments (you can remain anonymous if you’d like—just provide an email that I will keep private). If you have an extra $25 to donate, please let me know as well. I aim to connect two generous donors with parents in need, providing them each with $50 gift cards to local grocery stores for their Thanksgiving meals. Simply comment with what you can offer, and I’ll reach out to you.
Let’s come together and celebrate Thanksgiving, creating a sense of community and support.
Updates:
- 11-13: I’m blown away by the generosity shown. I’ll be matching donors and reaching out soon. Thank you for your incredible support!
- 11-16: I’m pausing comments for now to ensure everyone is taken care of. If any funds remain, I’ll reopen them!
- 11-16 (another update): I’m opening comments for one final round, closing them at 3 PM EST to fulfill all requests. I can’t wait to share the results!
- 11-17: I’m closing requests, but if you wish to donate, feel free to reach out!
- 11-18: The results are in, and they are amazing! Check them out!
This article was originally published on November 14, 2011.
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In summary, Thanksgiving is a time for togetherness and gratitude, but it’s also a time to recognize the struggles some face. By coming together as a community, we can help ensure that everyone can enjoy the holiday without the weight of financial burdens.