Saying Thanks

Generally as Thanksgiving approaches, we usually get a little excited. Some dream about the delicious food they are going to pile high on their plate. Maybe you look forward to a steady stream of football games and family time with uncles, aunts, and cousins you haven’t seen in a while.

I’ve found that nothing brings people together better than heaps of food and family. As America moves past a deeply divisive election season, Thanksgiving came at just the right time. In the past few weeks I’ve found I believe more than ever we lose something bigger if we forget that we are all in this together. That we all must stand up for our shared values as Americans.

In our neck of the woods and across our nation it’s important for those of us who are blessed with gatherings and meals of our own to give back too. So leading up to this year’s big dinner I spent time with service organizations across the region to hear about the great work they are doing, and to lend a hand of my own.

The local food banks, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters are a real reminder of the extraordinary need that still exists in our region and of the vital work being done by so many outstanding people. This season, it’s worth noting that at the heart of gratitude, there should also be a call to responsibility and generosity. Regardless of who you supported this election season, I think that’s a notion that all folks—left, right, and center—can get behind.

I spent a great couple hours with the Tuesday volunteers at Coastal Harvest in Hoquiam last week. We re-packed ‎4800lbs of fresh corn for needy families in our region! This Thanksgiving season it’s important to remember that volunteering and community service are part of our civic culture. I’ll be joining organizations in my district for volunteer work this week, and I encourage you to join me!

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I’m grateful for the Cathers family for leading the charge on the Gig Harbor Basket Brigade each and every year. This year, nearly two thousand baskets were delivered to families. I enjoyed working with the other volunteers to load up the trucks. Awesome to see so many young people helping!

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I am thankful for the Rescue Mission in Tacoma and all the volunteers who showed up on Thursday to make sure folks had a warm meal this Thanksgiving. Grateful for all of our blessings.

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