Letter to the Editor

Your View: Bless you all

Monday, December 3, 2007

There are times when all we have to do is show up and allow the blessings to start unfolding. The Community Thanksgiving meal is one of those times. When we show care and concern for others, we can't help but feel the effects of it in untold blessings and both the giver and the receiver benefit.

This year we fed close to 700 people, with approximately 650 meals delivered throughout Sikeston and the surrounding area. To those angels in street clothes who showed up to deliver meals, a big thank you. Without you we couldn't make this dinner the success it has been.

Also, thank you to those individuals who donned aprons and helped de-bone turkeys, make dressing, whip potatoes, chop celery onions and giblets, dip cranberry sauce, keep the pans filled and cleaned up. You are, without a doubt, all special and your service is commendable. You are truly angels without wings.

A special thanks to all the churches, organizations, merchants and individuals who responded to our call for donations. Your generosity was awesome. You don't have to seek the world over to find a treasure, they exist right here under our noses.

Without the use of the Shrine Club, we wouldn't have had a meal this year so our hats go off to the gentlemen who so graciously offered their building so that we could provide this meal for so many people who otherwise might have gone without a Thanksgiving dinner.

Beverly Baker, Linda Bollinger, Steve Morse, Jim Leigh and Terri Ellison, the original committee members, are always there for me, no matter what I ask of them. You guys are the best. You open your hearts and tune in your souls to the need of others and I am deeply indebted to you for your help.

May God's blessings be upon each and everyone who was involved directly or indirectly with the year's Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Thanks to all of you.

Marlene Stevens, Community Thanksgiving Dinner