Once we turn the page on the calendar to November, Thanksgiving becomes top of mind. We remember all of the Thanksgivings past, a time to see family, catch up with loved ones, watch and play football and over eat some family favorites!
After the memories the stress begins. Here comes the hectic planning of what to cook or bake, cleaning the house, figuring out who’s coming, and how to get it all done in time.
We always manage to get it all done in time for the big day. Yes, there are some sleepless nights and raised voices, but Thanksgiving comes and we all remember to take some time to remember what we’re thankful for.
Last week, the beginning of November, I went and served meals at The Pearl Street Cupboard & Café with my teenage daughter and a group of co-workers. I’d served here before but upon entering and talking to the dedicated staff and long-term volunteers, I remembered how impressed I was with this program.
The focus at Pearl Street is to make all who come in feel comfortable and treated with dignity. Guests are all greeted when they come in and shown to a table. Servers great them and review the menu and serve them a drink, bread, soup, the main course and dessert. One course at a time. We served families, singles and people of all ages and abilities. No one is turned away.
The focus on serving these people is what stood out for me. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness and that is the regular expectation at Pearl Street. Dedicated volunteers are there regularly. From the woman who makes centerpieces for every season and holiday, to the dishwasher, to the Volunteer Coordinator who trained us all on the process, to the woman with her 2 grown sons who are regular volunteers, also.
Spending those few hours at Pearl Street reminded me to start out November giving thanks now. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving. Share your good fortune with those that are special to you and do what you can to help those in need.
What are you thankful for this year? Share your stories below.
