Being Thankful

The following is an announcement from State Senator Katherine Clark:

Earlier this week we came together to honor the heroism, patriotism and many sacrifices of our nation’s veterans.   Volunteers across our district organized moving ceremonies, breakfasts and parades, and many of you and your families participated.  Our observance of Veterans Day demonstrated our gratitude for the men and women who wear our nation’s uniform and protect us at home and around the world.

Next week we will express another form of gratitude as we gather with our families and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving.  I am thankful for my family, my friends, and the opportunity to continue to represent you at the State House.  It is a great privilege, and I continue to learn from you as I see you teaching, keeping us safe, building businesses, caring for your families and your communities, and improving our world.  

Across our district I see volunteers giving their time and money to the many worthy service organizations in our community.  Sometimes we hear about these kind acts, but often they remain unheralded. They are actions of compassion and kindness done with grace and a strong commitment to the well-being of others.  And this time of year is a chance to pause and say thank you for what you do to make our community such a wonderful, generous place to live.

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table with our families, I hope we will also think of those who have too little and go without.  This holiday season, I encourage you to support our food pantries, including Bread of Life and Salvation Army Mystic Valley Pantry in Malden, Pantry of Hope and A Servant’s Heart Food Pantry in Melrose, the Stoneham Food Pantry, the Reading Food Pantry and EMARC food bank in Reading, the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry, and the Council of Social Concern’s Food Pantry, which serves families in Winchester and Woburn.  In addition to providing families with grocery items, many of these food pantries also provide holiday food baskets and serve hot meals on a regular basis and are seeking volunteers and donations.

I thank you for your support of these organizations and for all you do to strengthen our communities.  I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving.