Newcomers to the Cove: Thanks and Giving

Thanksgiving. I prefer “thanks and giving.” It’s the time of year when we celebrate God’s provision as we enjoy a sumptuous feast of turkey with all the traditional trimmings and perhaps a football game. It is appropriate to be grateful. We should give thanks. (By the way, have you noticed the Detroit Lions always play on Thanksgiving Day?)

This should be the “give back” season as well as the “give thanks” season. When one gives, one also receives. As a nation and as a Cove community, we are blessed. The Pilgrims survived the harsh winter of 1621 because Native Americans gave them food (fulfilling a physical need) and knowledge (teaching how to sustain the colony). The Pilgrims were blessed by giving.

I propose combining our gratitude with giving. We gladly give gifts to those we know and love. Could we not donate our time, clothing, money, gift cards, etc., to those we don’t know, especially from Thanksgiving through Christmas? Some families have needs; other families have resources. ‘Tis the season to share.

We notice them everywhere…those red or yellow or green bins to drop off shoes and clothing. They are useful and especially needed as the weather grows colder. Those drop-off bins are just the tip of the iceberg. Locally we have rescue missions, Goodwill donation centers, church charities, the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, veterans’ organizations, and even places where you can donate an old car.

Here are some local examples: Martinsburg has a food pantry for anyone in need. The Martinsburg Mennonite Church has a clothing ministry. Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes are in full swing. The Herald’s holiday food drive is currently underway. John’s Way medical equipment ministry has monetary needs to operate their free service for all of us. Toys for Tots always needs donations. I noticed a program to collect free bikes for the less fortunate and Bibles for an overseas church.

Many Cove organizations in addition to churches have programs with the goal to simply provide some help. In short, there are many places to lend a hand with your time, dollars, or donations. I cannot list all the places to give in this column. If I tried to create an inclusive list, I certainly would leave out some very worthy organizations. But look around. Places to “give back” are everywhere. Opportunities to serve are plentiful, from Williamsburg to Loysburg.

Why are Nancy and I so passionate about giving back? Because many folks have aided us throughout our married life. It only seems right to help others as we have been helped. Everyone, at some point, needs some assistance. It may be in the form of just “being there” to listen. It may be physical needs such as food, clothing, a quilt or two, or some extra funds to buy heating oil. It may take the shape of counseling or emotional support for those times when life becomes extraordinarily difficult due to death or divorce or abandonment or “whatever.” Perhaps someone you know needs help navigating a difficult situation now but would never ask. Trust me when I write that everyone, at some point, needs assistance.

Nancy and I have donated clothing and funds to several local charitable organizations. I don’t write that in a prideful way. I write it so you know we practice what we preach. We have become givers and that is so rewarding!

So as you watch the Lions this Thanksgiving, resolve to add another tradition to your family: give. Give of yourself, your time, and your resources if you are so able. If we don’t help our friends and neighbors when they truly need it, who will?

‘Tis the season.