I have now been at the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank for 13 years! I am so grateful each day that I get to work with amazing people, serving beautiful souls and making a difference in the lives of those with whom we collaborate and serve. We have seen some significant growth, marked achievements, an increase in gifts and a rise in our stature in the community. Since 2004, we have launched a new website, moved into a beautiful facility, purchased new refrigerated trucks, and continue to struggle with transitioning to a social media presence from an ol’ gray haired leader. I am glad that our traditional communications are resonating with so many people, which has led to new volunteers, donors and partnerships.

As we look to finish the year strong, I am very excited about increasing our provisions to the pantry network and continue looking for additional household essentials for distribution to the needy. This Thanksgiving season we have much to be grateful for, not the least of which are our faithful, generous donors and our hardworking volunteers and staff.

I believe that one of the keys to our continued success is to maximize the amazing support and energy of our pantry network, and to invite all new partners to tour our facility to see firsthand what their support provides to the community.

I’m trusting you will have an enjoyable Thanksgiving Day—appreciate all the blessings in your life, take time to see the humanity in all of those less fortunate, talk with people, share a smile and provide a word of encouragement to others. Together we will do so much more than we can do alone.