On Thanksgiving I always think about the poor & the homeless.

[Philosoraptor]

Being poor or homeless on Thanksgiving and Christmas is the worst, I know. I always think about those poor guys down under the bridge on cold nights, those poor folks, forced to walk the streets at night in the cold on these holidays known for warmth and bounty and family, these holidays can be cruel.

The local t.v. news always shows a homeless shelter where the poor and the down and out on their luck can get a good traditional Thanksgiving meal, but of course, people have to eat every day, and the cameras are only there for one day a year.

And of course it's not just worn out old men, it's families, homeless families at the shelters and pantries, the least among us, who are invisible every other day of the year, struggling, suffering, in a land of plenty, and a land of terrible waste and inequity.

When you can, help the poor, people need something to be thankful for every day of the year.

[Dystopian]

1. k&r....I hear you.....

thank you for posting this...The best rewards come with giving a helping hand.....

peace~

[grilled onions]

2. Hunger Knows No season

For all those we see who luck out and get that ONE free meal at the shelter on Thansksgiving(or any other holiday) how many never get the chance for that free meal? How many are too ashamed(thanks to a pompus society that looks down on those who are down and out)or feel their attire too shabby to venture in for that bit of warmth? How many with kids? How many elderly? Isn't it ironic that we have contests to see how fast some can eat food while there are others who need to eat very s-l-o-w-l-y to make their tiny portion to stretch for a full day.
As a society we need to think of the hungry 365 days a year and not just on holidays. If every shopper bought just one extra item each time they shopped year around it would help fill those food pantry shelves,if only a little bit. This is the time of year, too people wonder what to get all those relatives who already have more then they can use. Instead of buying another gift of little meaning donate to a food pantry(in their name),buy a coat or mittens for a local agency that gives such items to the homeless or families who cannot afford to buy winter gear for their families(again in your relatives name). Not all are receptive to such a "gift" but I have seen many actually feel good that they helped contribute to such a needy cause.

[file83]

4. Agreed, but raising awarness can't hurt at least ONCE a year.

We need to continue raising awareness and that is most effective during the holidays. Someday, I hope the awareness goes 365, but until then, once or twice a year at least helps.

[knitter4democracy]

3. We need to give next week, too.

I'll be getting some bags ready for the local food pantry.