A Time for Thanksgiving

“I’m hungry.” The homeless woman’s words still resonant in my head and on my heart.

Last week I attended a convention in Philadelphia. During a quick lunch break I headed out of the hotel and onto the streets in search of an authentic Philly Cheese Steak sandwich.

A block from the Marriott hotel a street vendor was preparing these local favorites from a cart equipped with a small flat-top grill. After placing my order, I stood and watched the Philadelphian take two spatulas and expertly mince the steak into small shreds of meat.

While waiting, a woman approached me. Long ago, perhaps, she traded her pride for nourishment and said only two words to me, “I’m hungry.”

My career has enabled me to travel to most of the major cities in the United States. I have been approached by some fairly aggressive street peddlers and beggars. My strategy has always been to ignore them, not to make any eye contact and to keep walking. I was convinced that most of these people were really just looking for money to provide for their next fix or drink.

I knew moments after ignoring the woman I was wrong. She was indeed hungry. My common sense told me this. My heart told me this. And I chose to ignore it. I did nothing.

It’s time to do something now.

November is a month of Thanksgiving in the United States. This is the time we step back to consider and celebrate all of the things we are thankful for in our lives. This holiday culminates in a grand meal with plenty of food.

The woman in Philadelphia will not have the need, or desire to celebrate. There is no question she will be on my mind when I sit down to my meal. I wish she could join me.

But what if we could all find a way to try to reach out to her and the many other men and women who find themselves in the same condition?

Beginning today and continuing through New Years Day, I’m asking you to consider sharing the abundance in your life with those, although worthy, are lacking the means to feed themselves. I invite you to contribute to the A Time for Thanksgiving food drive campaign by donating to the Harvesters Community Food Network. Harvesters, a non-profit organization, is a certified member of America’s Second Harvest, a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks, serving all 50 states.

The goal is to raise $1000.00 by January 1, 2008. A $1.00 donation provides for five meals.

Therefore, we could create 5000 meals between now and the end of the year. Please consider making a donation today. If you are interested in setting up a similar virtual food drive campaign for your business or organization, please contact me.

While this campaign will not impact everyone in need, it is a start. Perhaps if we could all make an attempt to pay it forward, then the results will find a way to take care of themselves.

When I played baseball in high school my coach would always remind me that I couldn’t hit any of the pitches I didn’t swing at – I’m swinging coach. Please join me at the plate.

Please consider making a donation to the A Time for Thanksgiving food drive. A $1.00 donation equals five meals.

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