By Chris Murphy
Gratitude and thankfulness are so very important to all people. There is something profoundly magical about this time of year. The weather is changing, the night comes earlier, the food tastes better, the flavors switch from pumpkin to maple, the sweaters are out, and the fall fundraisers are underway.
But mostly, it’s about tradition. My daughters are very traditional and really want to hold on to and build on their traditions for their new families. As I get older, it is wonderful to see these things evolve. Also, it’s really good to look around and find ways to share the Thanksgiving spirit with others. I’m one of those people that have a “hard no” on Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving. I think it’s really important to take these pauses to enjoy each season and holiday.
For some, it is the tradition of a morning run at the Turkey Trot and seeing your friends and family all work off their Thanksgiving dinner in advance. For some it is a game of football in the park, like the Mud Bowl and many other traditions. For others, it is switching over to the Christmas Holiday spirit on the weekend after Thanksgiving or sometimes it is just a simple meal and reminding ourselves that we are loved and care about people.
We are highlighting here some of the fun things that make the Thanksgiving season special. For some though, those memories aren’t happening and they are just grateful to make it through each day. This is a really good time to see what you can do or donate to make a difference in someone else’s life. There are some important ways you can help, some involve donations of money and others are a donation of time, and time can be really valuable. Check out the suggestions in this issue and see what fits for you.
Thanksgiving Togetherness!
What do you look forward to? Is it the Thanksgiving Day Parade? The Dog Show? Family games? Holiday baking? Walks or rides in the park? When you stop to take a break, it opens up options. Take time to share your time, unplug, do a 1-day digital detox and really connect with people. Have fun cooking together and get the kids and grandkids involved. Teach your kids to bake cookies or make hand turkeys for the table. Play Jenga, turkey bingo, and find things that are free and fun. Encourage interactions that pass on family traditions and if you are new family, start your own new traditions. It’s fun and you will learn a lot about each other. That is what I am truly thankful for.
Mud Bowl
Fall is Football Season and as we cheer on football, optimize our fantasy teams, and the snacking that goes along with it, the real payoff comes at the end of the month…many families and friends have long standing traditions, and this month have the 61st Edition of Mud Bowl at Kewin Park. Show up with your family and friends and pass this tradition down. Check out the story of the Mud Bowl by one of the founders, Ken White. www.modestoview.com/authorview-the-mud-bowl/<www.modestoview.com/authorview-the-mud-bowl/> and www.modestoview.com/the-mud-bowl-remembered/
MJC Turkey Trot
Thanksgiving Day November 28 – Legion Park
Ready, Set, Go! Thanksgiving can start with a sprint with some family running fun. This a great family event. What’s better than a 5K run to get out there and rev up your body and get a good work out before diving into the turkey, mashed potatoes/cauliflower or cranberry whatever, and of course the pumpkin pie. All proceeds benefit MJC’s Track and Field and Cross Country Programs! This is a family friendly 3.1 mile course on a paved path with some grass and dirt. The 1/2 mile kids run will be on grass, 1/4 mile out and 1/4 mile back. No strollers, headphones, or dogs in the 5K run. The Gobbler Walk is an event for just walkers on the same 5k course where trollers/dogs are welcomed. Easy parking, easy run and a lot of fun. Check in begins at 7:30 am and races start 8:45 for the kids and ½ and 9:30 for the 5K. Overall male and female finishers will receive a medal. T-shirts will be provided to the first 500 entrants. Pre-reg closes Nov 26. Walk up after that runsignup.com/Race/CA/Modesto/MJCTurkeyTrot
Giving Season is Here!
Thinking about others is so important. There are so many needs out there and there are a couple of local organizations that could really use your support and your donation stays local gets the most out of every dollar. This is why we like the Salvation Army because over 85% of all funds received go directly to those in need and all are served without discrimination. We also support the Modesto Gospel Mission who is doing an amazing job of getting people off of the streets, and working to get them redirected. You can be assured that supporting either of these is a smart use of your valuable support dollars. It’s hard to do, but the best way to help those in need is NOT to give to people in the streets, but to give to organizations that do the most good, in the right places for the most people. Let those that know how to intercept, engage to make a difference.
Kettle Kick Off Center Plaza– November 23 @ 11:30 am
Giving Tuesday – December 3 – Please pick a local charity & give what you can!
Gospel Mission Coat Drive – All month long drop off
Thanks4Giving Dinner Center Plaza– November 28 @ 12:00 PM
Love Stanislaus Comfort Kits – Donate now, Pick Up December 7th
Community Christmas Tree – Vintage Faire Mall through December 18
Kettle Kick Off
This is the big event of the year that was created by the legendary Modesto volunteer Bette Belle Smith. Modesto starts the giving season off big! Join your friends at the Modesto Centre Plaza for the Salvation Army Kettle Kick Off. Nearly $200,000 gets raised to help prepare for the winter and holiday season. The Kick-off is Thursday, November 21, 11:30 at the Centre Plaza. Tables are only $100 for a table of 10 and nearly sold out. If you can’t make it please donate and support the teams that are raising $$. The ModestoView Crew will be raising funds along with our Graffiti USA Museum friends so please donate to us and we will make sure it gets to the Salvation Army at the Kick Off. You can also help support Salvation Army in other ways. You can be a bell ringer for Salvation Army by calling 209-522-3209. You can do this as an individual, a family, or with a group. You can also give personal items that are needed in the shelters. Donations can be taken to 320 9th St or 625 I St. Items needed are: toiletries, bedding, underwear & socks. modestocorps.salvationarmy.org
Modesto Gospel Mission
Join our community in helping provide warm Thanksgiving meals and coats for the hungry and homeless this holiday season on November 27, 2- 4:30pm. We ask that you consider making a donation, of any amount, to support a great cause. Here’s how you can make a difference. You can donate directly to the Modesto Gospel Mission and there are ways to volunteer as well. Also, look for the Volente coffee for sale and that helps the Mission teach and train people to get back into the mainstream. Rob, who was featured a few months ago for Volente, now has a full-time job and is making great progress. Your support helps make these real results. Donate here: www.mymission.org/donate<www.mymission.org/donate> or sign up to volunteer here: www.mymission.org/volunteer<www.mymission.org/volunteer>. Clothing items for the “bundle up” are: New or gently used coats for men, women, or children. All sizes, Hats, Gloves, Scarves, Socks. These can be delivered to the Modesto Gospel Mission at 1400 Yosemite Blvd. Modesto
Love Modesto / Stanislaus Comfort Kits
Hundreds of children in our area enter foster car or a shelter every year with just the clothes on their back or a few belongings in a garbage bag. In collaboration with Child Protective Services, Love Modesto and Love Stanislaus have developed Comfort Kits (quality bags, back pack with many useful items) for children of all ages from infants on up who have just been uprooted from their family. There is a huge need in our community and your support is really needed. You can donate anything from a pacifier to a bunch of backpacks and more and volunteer help is needed to distribute. The average retail costs for each kit is $75, but Love Modesto can purchase items in bulk so it goes farther. Here’s how you can help: 1) Donate Comfort Kits. If you would like to donate, Love Modesto needs receive all financial donations as soon as possible. 2) You can shop for Comfort Kits on your own and deliver them buy December 2. Register online for what you are going to buy. 3) You can volunteer at the Comfort Kit Drive. Your help would be greatly appreciated from December 2 – December 7 which is pick up day.
Donate, Shop and/or Volunteer, visit: www.lovestanislauscounty.org/comfort-kit-drive<www.lovestanislauscounty.org/comfort-kit-drive>.
FIGS for the Holidays
Food Initiative of Stanislaus County needs your donations for their Thanksgiving Giveaway. They need turkey donations or monetary donations to purchase turkeys. Donations can be drop off at their warehouse 650 Janopaul Ln Modesto<www.google.com/maps/search/650+Janopaul+Ln+Modesto?entry=gmail&source=g> or at any of the mobile markets. The giveaway is on November 19 from 8:30-12pm or until gone at West Modesto Community Collaborative Center 601 S MLK Dr. Modesto, Ca<www.google.com/maps/search/601+S+MLK+Dr.+Modesto,+Ca?entry=gmail&source=g>. First come first serve. If anyone would like more information, please call 209 572-3117
www.facebook.com/thefoodinitiativeofgs
