A tradition that started several years ago with our three sons has become a really fun, exhausting, tiring, humbling day for Mike and I. We would always go to the Mission in Van Buren to have the boys serve the homeless. What a wonderful thing for children to do! Of course they griped, complained, etc. Who cared? They were going! Now all the griping and complaining really was just a show - they really loved it and we now know that because they are now serving others on Thanksgiving Day as adults.
It was Thanksgiving 2009, Mike, Matthew, Mason and I get to the Mission to serve and there along with Don and Terri Adams and one of their children, found that the volunteers were plentiful and not much help was needed from us. It was that day that the 2 families decided to feed the hungry in Alma. So the story begins.........
Today, our third year - we fed approximately 320 people at Kiddie Kollege Alma. We had a great day ministering to the Alma community. We had over 25 volunteers from the community and several community partners who helped make it all happen. We had people cooking, cleaning, serving food behind the food bar, packaging 'to go' meals, packaging food bags for the families we were serving.
As the day ended, the last turkey served, the floors mopped at Kiddie Kollege and building all locked up - I couldn't get home fast enough........ to sob! I cried for several minutes, thinking of past memories with my children who always served alongside us, thinking of how awesome it was to serve our friends and acquaintances in Alma who need what they cannot have - FOOD. I cried thinking about what life might be like if we cared less about MORE and more about LESS! I cried thinking about the people who were so humbly, appreciative of the small amount of food that was given to them. What would life be like if we worked together to create better communities, schools, programs, and families? I really wonder...... and until next Thanksgiving 2013 - BE BLESSED!
So if you want to be a part of a great community event by sponsoring - send your tax deductible donations to Western Arkansas Child Development; 14 W Cherry St; Alma, Arkansas 72921. Mark your check: Thanksgiving Day 2013. The goal next year is 350 people; 2 pallets of food for the giveaway to each family that is fed. The approximate cost next year will be $3000. Be blessed and remember...... Love God; Love Others!
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