December 3, 2009

Give Thanks: Simple gestures go a long way in helping others

By Alicia Morgan

“It’s not about you.”

— Rick Warren, pastor and author of the best-selling book “The Purpose Driven Life”

TERRE HAUTE — The famous pastor has a point.

With preparation for Thanksgiving at the top of the list this week, not to mention Christmas parties, school plays, family gatherings and shopping that follow, it’s no wonder the meaning of the holiday season sometimes gets lost. At this point, it may be a good idea to take a deep breath and remember, it’s about giving thanks. And it’s not about you.

According to History.com, Native American groups organized harvest festivals for centuries before the Plymouth Pilgrims arrived. However, the meal that most think of is the feast that the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians shared in 1621 to celebrate the harvest and the bounty of crops. This is widely acknowledged as the first Thanksgiving. Since that first meal, the day has become a symbol of sharing and community.

An easy way to celebrate our bounty – our blessings – is by giving back to others in our family and in our community. A simple act of kindness – whether it be a phone call to a friend, dropping change in a red kettle or a friendly greeting to a stranger on the street – can make a big difference.

Before you go shopping for Thanksgiving dinner or stress about seating arrangements and baking pies; before you spend hours basting that turkey; before you get your Thermos, blankets and lawn chairs out for Black Friday; and before you go pick out that perfect tree – pause.

The following suggestions may inspire you to step away from the oven and out into the community.

Give thanks for … the ones who came before you

Spend time at a nursing home.

“We’d love to have people just give us a call,” said Dave Higus, activity assistant at Meadows Manor East.

One of the more popular activities is bingo. A call to the facility will get you or your church, school group or organization on the schedule.

“We’re taking bookings for December already,” Higus said, noting that they try to do their schedules a month at a time.

To become a regular volunteer, “you basically fill out a job application form,” Higus said. The facility also will do a background check. Call (812) 235-6281 for more information.

Give thanks for … your friends, family

Write a note, call a friend or send a small gift. The recipient will be surprised and thankful for your gesture.

Give thanks for … having your basic needs met

Volunteer. The Light House Mission and Salvation Army are a couple of organizations working to help the needy of the Wabash Valley.

Volunteers will be putting together Thanksgiving baskets at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Mission. Want to help? Director of Development Bonnie Wallace says the more the better.

Volunteers will be constructing the baskets so they’re “ready for delivery the next day,” Wallace said.

Busy Monday evening? How about picking up some extra items on your next shopping trip?

The Mission can “always use nonperishable foods,” Wallace said. Cans of food, personal products, paper goods and cleaning supplies like bleach or spray all work well. “All those things are helpful to us.”

She also suggests making desserts to serve with meals at the Mission or signing up to serve food any day of the week. The Mission keeps a calendar on daily serving, so calling first is requested: (812) 232-7001.

Have some extra change? The Salvation Army kicked off its Red Kettle Campaign on Thursday at Baesler’s Market. Representatives will be at several Wabash Valley locations this month and next ringing bells for donations. Throw some money in one of those kettles. It’s quick and easy.

Give thanks for … children

“We find sometimes the children fall through the cracks,” Wallace says.

Volunteers can spend a little or a lot of time with children at the Mission.

It’s also good for the children to have other kids to interact with. Wallace suggests playing a board game, doing crafts or watching a movie with children staying at the Mission. Some people even plan parties for the kids.

It “doesn’t have to be anything elaborate,” Wallace said.

Give thanks for … gifts under the tree

Donating toys or gifts is also a way to help make someone’s Christmas brighter.

The Salvation Army hasn’t been able to help teens as much in years past, Social Services Director Cathy White said. So it’s “trying to get some general gifts” for them. Some of White’s suggestions include CD players, MP3 players and handheld computer games, basketballs, footballs, gift sets or gift cards. Monetary donations are also always welcome, White said.

“We have signed up at least 1,550 to 1,600 families for Christmas help. We don’t have a final count and there will be more toward the end, I’m sure. The need is overwhelming for all agencies this year,” White said.

Donations can be dropped off at Social Services at the south end of the Salvation Army building at 234 S. Eighth St.

Call (812) 232-4081 or e-mail cathy_white@usc.salvationarmy.org for more information.

Give thanks for … your freedom

Remember service members who keep our nation safe.

Some suggestions:

• Send a “touch of home” card to: Holiday Mail for Heroes, P.O. Box 5456, Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456, through Dec. 7. Visit www.redcross.org/holidaymail for more info and www.wabashvalleyredcross.org to learn more about Red Cross Wabash Valley Chapter Services to the Armed Forces.

• Sponsor service personnel through an Indiana State University program. Specially-designed ISU T-shirts will accompany basic supplies that are in high demand, along with a personal note from the individual sponsoring the package. Individuals may sponsor a soldier for $10. Cash and check donations will be collected from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday at ISU Commons, Hulman Memorial Student Union. Donations, along with cards to the service personnel, also may be sent to Stephanee Squires, Center for Public Service and Community Engagement, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, IN 47809.

Donations need to be received by Nov. 30.

Give thanks for … the food on your table and the energy to heat your home

Give time or money to a food bank or community center. Here are a few:

• Catholic Charities of Terre Haute; (812) 232-1447

• 14th and Chestnut Community Center; (812) 232-3126

• Covenant Cooperative Ministry; (812) 478-7700

Give thanks for … your neighbors

Help an elderly neighbor with yard work, or stop by for a visit.

Give thanks with … your children

Involve your kids. Ask them to write down something they’re thankful for or draw a picture. Share it during the Thanksgiving meal.

Give thanks for … community

Share with others. Invite coworkers, neighbors and friends whose families live far away to join you during your Thanksgiving meal or gathering.

Give thanks for … your well being

Remember those who work on holidays. Police patrol to keep us safe; health care workers are ready if we need help. Bake some bread, or send a card thanking them for being willing to work in a profession that caters to your needs.

Those professionals make it about you every day of the year. Now, it’s time to give back.



Alicia Morgan can be reached at (812) 231-4298 or alicia.morgan@tribstar.com.