The following is a true story. The fact I can even remember it at all should speak to the profoundness of this event. I hope it touches you.
When I was seven years old, there was a food drive at school for Thanksgiving. To this day I can see the house we lived in but not the city. I can see the school and know it was second grade but can't see or remember the classroom or anyone else that attended.
What I do remember is that we were asked to bring in food for those who needed it. The school planned to make food baskets for the underprivileged families who would otherwise go without on Thanksgiving.
I distinctly recall taking two cans to school to donate for this worthy cause. And I remember thinking, even then, that this was a noble and generous gesture; although my mind today tells me that was likely more of a feeling than an actual thought -- what 7 year old knows the words 'noble' or 'generous'?
But what I do remember is the idea that no one should ever go hungry. Especially not at the holidays.
A few weeks later, there was a knock on our door. Standing there was a lady with a gift basket of food for our family. Even just typing this brings tears to my eyes. I didn't know until that exact moment that we were poor. Or that we might not have enough food for Thanksgiving.
I have never forgotten how donating those cans made me feel as a young child and I'll never forget the gratitude that came with that gift basket. Gratitude that someone thought to help us out. Gratitude that we had a feast on Thanksgiving.
As I got older, the fact we were impoverished became more evident. Somehow though, we always seemed to have enough. One date that stands out in my mind, as clearly as I can remember the Thanksgiving basket, is the Christmas I turned 10.
I remember thinking there would be no gifts because earlier that year we had moved to Illinois from California and money was scarce. We had barely anything and I prepared myself not to expect anything.
And yet, Christmas morning the tree was overflowing with presents. I can still feel the shock and amazement as I stared at that abundant tree.
To this day, I do not know how my parents made that happen and to this day, I still believe in Santa Claus. Scoff if you want, but in my 10 year old mind, that's the only way the magic of that particular Christmas morning could happen.
Today Santa figures prominently in all my holiday decorations because of the magic and possibilities he represents. Anything is possible when there is a Santa. And it is possible for all of us to be a Santa at one time or another; to help someone less fortunate.
The thought of anyone going hungry in this country tears at my heart, so this year, we here at Executive Errands® started our 'Kans for Kids' food collection program.
We have a modest goal of collecting 1000 cans between now and the end of the year and we're hoping our clients, friends, vendors and colleagues will want to help us reach that goal.
We will pick up anything you collect or gather, free of charge, and will donate in your name.
We will also publish your company name here in the newsletter and on our social media sites if you agree to have your name made public.
Food insecurities are a real and daily issue for too many kids and their family's right here in our valley. Let's all do what we can to help make sure no child goes hungry. If you don't have cans to donate, we can pick up cash donations too (checks made out to FIND foodbank please).
Let's all be a Santa this year and let's put gratitude in another 7 year olds heart and give her (or him) an experience they can carry with them always.
To donate cans or checks, please contact us here at 760.898.9604 or click to reach us by email.
Thank you in advance for participating. We know your generosity is appreciated.
Until next time, let's all do what we "Kan" and try to remember, "Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming" ~ Joseph Wirthlin
Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
