We are entering the season of gratitude and abundance. Most of us are counting our blessings and preparing for holidays where we will share meals, gifts and good company. It seems like an appropriate time to remind you to think of the individuals and families we serve. But, according to a recent survey, it appears you are already doing just that. An Associated Press article that recently ran in the Connecticut Post found that nearly one-third of those polled have worried about becoming homeless at one time or another and 44% stated that they have taken in friends or family who had nowhere to go.

Michael Stoops, acting executive director of the National Coalition for the Homeless said, "When people read the news and read about bankruptcies, home foreclosures and auto plants being closed, they worry that they may be next." It is clear that we are thinking about homelessness. Another report released about the same time stated that over 35 million people in our country are going hungry, dealing with unemployment, underemployment, escalating costs of living and other factors. Especially at this time of year, we are thinking of those who are hungry.

With so many people hungry and at-risk of homelessness, the issues can be overwhelming. We might ask ourselves “What can we do about such a huge problem?” And yet everyday, people in this community are making meals for our guests, delivering food to our food pantry, and volunteering to help us serve our neighbors in need. Thank you from all of us at Operation Hope. We are grateful for this generous and caring community.

I recently had the opportunity to visit one of the churches that provides monthly meals for our feeding program and mentioned a saying attributed to Mother Theresa – We can do no great things, just small things with great kindness. But I suggest that indeed those small acts of kindness actually are the great things. So let us recognize that we are capable of great things, of using our talents and gifts to help those in need.

So as we gather with friends and family over the holidays and celebrate all that we have, we also can acknowledge that there are those among us who are less fortunate. And that we can, and most likely are, doing something to make a difference.