Each year American families join together to thank God for all the joys and blessings of life in our great nation. We’re thankful for our family, our health, our wealth and all the opportunities that God has given us in this land. For many of us, this is one of the only times where the entire family is all together.

We gather around a large table full of delicious homemade food. The aroma of that delicious turkey fills the air. Our stomachs growl in unison, anticipating the incredible assortment of foods we’ll soon enjoy. From mashed potatoes to stuffing, cranberry sauce to pumpkin pie, our appetites will be fulfilled with more than enough food.

After the delicious buffet, families get cozy in a family room. Some are playing games, others enjoy the game on TV while the kids run around, enjoying the company of their cousins.

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season best known for its comfort, hope and peace. We all feel as if the world, for this one brief moment, is at peace. We are comforted by the sight of the entire family coming together to spend the day enjoying good food and good company.

But often times, in the midst of all our food and fun, we forget that not all of the world is enjoying this day the way we are. We are aware of the famines of Africa, the wars in the Middle East and the persecution of the Church in closed countries. But those people are worlds away from our warm home on our quiet cul-de-sac.

And as our hearts and prayers go out to those in other countries dealing with hardships that we can’t even begin to imagine, we forget about those people who are one or two miles away that are experiencing Thanksgiving in a totally different way.

For many people in America, Thanksgiving Day is a day of loneliness, regret and hunger. The holiday season is not cozy and warm to all. It’s a time of pain and heartache. As our economy suffers, many people, more than the year before, will be faced with new challenges and problems.

This year, you can help make a difference in the lives of those in your own community who are suffering. While we can’t instantly make life easier for those in need, we can begin to restore hope by providing food and comfort on Thanksgiving Day.

For only $1.50 you can provide a Thanksgiving dinner – with Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, pie…and all the trimmings. $15 feeds 10 people! The more you give, the more we can feed. Any extra funds that we receive provides food, clothing, shelter, education and spiritual care throughout the entire year.

Even though people go hungry every day, you can help change that with a generous donation to the Hope Center. We receive no government funding. All services are provided free because of expenses paid by donations from caring friends, corporations, and foundations.

Thank you for partnering with us to help end hunger and suffering in Hagerstown!

If you are interested in helping us feed the hungry, please call our office at 301.739.1165 or email us at hagerstownrescue@verizon.net.