According to this month’s issue of Martha Stewart Living, if you haven’t started preparing your Thanksgiving feast, you should kiss the cranberry goodbye and have the nearest Chinese take-out on speed-dial.
You have been growing fresh herbs for garnish and are nimble with a needle and thread, right?
Stewart suggests stitching pockets in freshly pressed linen napkins so guests can write down what they are grateful for. This is after the house is deep-cleaned, the guest bedroom updated, appetizers served, the signature cocktail concocted and a full feast prepared.
It’s not just Stewart, the domestic-shamer, who can make you feel like you are already missing out. “Black Friday now!” ads have been circulating since late September. And we all know that one person who is already finished their holiday shopping and has the gifts wrapped.
The season of thanks is rushed to get to the season of giving.
Time, our most valuable commodity, is even more scarce during the last two months of the year. Everything seems to happen in fast-forward.
What would happen if we blended the season of thanks with the season of giving?
No “trying to get through the holidays” or sprinting from one store, errand or party to another.
What would happen if we took the time to truly give thanks?
It doesn’t have to only be physical gifts or monetary donations.
Our time and talent are the best gift we can give others. Find a nonprofit or a cause that matches your passion. A social media wiz? Offer a few hours a week to run their social media accounts. Is organization your strength? Spend a few hours lending your administrative savvy. A handyperson? I’ve spoken to nonprofits who need someone who can hang shelves or do electrical work.
I know I have plenty to be thankful for, especially this year. There is no reason I should keep my thanks and giving confined to the fourth Thursday in November.
Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you honor it on more than one day.
Below is a list of local organizations hosting or putting together a holiday meal for those in need and accepting donations for families for Christmas. It is by no means a complete list. It is simply a few local causes who reached out to me (or had a representative reach out) to be included. If interested in volunteering or making a donation, reach out to the point of contact.
Who: Bread of Life Community Café, All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 555 Haws Ave., Norristown (between Marshall Street & Airy Street).
What: Free Community Thanksgiving meal.
When: Thanksgiving Day 1 – 3 p.m.
Contact: Jay Petel, breadoflifecafe@allsaints535.org.
Who: Ebenezer Methodist Church, Spruce & Arch Sts., Norristown
What: Free Thanksgiving Dinner. All are welcome to attend. If you are in need and cannot come out, call 484-363-7361 for delivery.
When: Thanksgiving Day 12 – 4 p.m.
Contact: Adriane Livers, 484-363-7361, amlivers413@aol.com
Who: Sal’s Barbershop, 1011 Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting
What: Sal’s Barbershop will be providing a Thanksgiving Feast for the women and children of domestic abuse at the Laurel House.
When: Nov. 29.
Contact: Anyone who would like to donate a dish, contact Sal at 484-688-4198.
Who: The Conshohocken Free Christmas Dinner
What they do: Now partnered with the CNC (Colonial Neighborhood Council), they receive a list of individuals and families who request assistance feeding their families on Christmas Day. They are asking individuals and companies to donate money toward meals for individuals and families. There is no minimum amount required to donate. But because individuals have asked about feeding a family, a $50 donation feeds a family of four on Christmas Day.
Contact: info@conshohockenfreechristmasdinner.com, conshohockenfreechristmasdinner.com.
Who: In His Eyes Outreach (prison reentry organization), DAKMAK youth program DAKMAK Program (Dads and Kids, Moms and Kids).
What they do: The mission is to reduce recidivism, strengthen the family and build better communities one ex-offender at a time. DAKMAK Program’s mission is to help reduce the stigma of having a parent in jail. For the past 10 years it has adopted children with parents in jail or living in shelters for the holidays. In His Eyes Outreach services all of Montgomery County, though its focus is Norristown.
Contact: All donations can be mailed to 329 W. Main St., Norristown, PA 19401, or they will pick up. Items needed most are gift cards, pajamas and outerwear in all sizes.
Donations: Donations can also be sent via PayPal at inhiseyes2008@aol.com. For further information contact Carla Clanagan, director, Inhiseyes2008@aol.com, DAKMAKprogram@aol.com, www.inhiseyes.org.
Who: The Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund reaches families through its Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program, which benefits children who are suffering from a variety of conditions including cancer, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, severe disabilities or serious injuries.
What they do: These families are under immense financial strain and are brought to the Fund’s attention by social work departments in hospitals and social service agencies. Most sponsors spend approximately $75-$100 per child, depending on age. You will receive the names, ages and gift suggestions for the family members you are sponsoring. They will collect gifts at the Wissahickon Fire Company on December 11th and 12th. If you are unable to sponsor a family but would still like to help, they welcome monetary donations or gift cards. They often receive requests for help just days before the holiday and gift cards are the perfect solution to a last minute problem.
Contact: Danielle Griffith - dgriffith@dolanfund.org.
Katie Kohler is an award-winning columnist and journalist. She is a Norristown native and a current resident of King of Prussia. Visit her at www.katiekohler.com. Email kkohler1129@gmail.com.
