One might get a little upset finding 15 trash can meticulously lined up in the program room—the same space staff eat lunch, children play and teens get weekly tutoring. Did someone get their instructions mixed up? But at a closer look. These aren’t ordinary trash cans—they’re brand new, gleaming white, and each one is overflowing with non-perishable food: Stove Top Stuffing, cornflakes, canned yams, instant mashed potatoes, dried pasta and more. “Look what the employees of Holman did for our families,” beams a grinning Garland Rhodes, our Food CO-OP Coordinator. They have collected all of this food to be distributed at Thanksgiving. And Holman is sending a group of employees over to help us pact everything,” Garland adds. “We’re going to have a big packing party.” And who doesn’t love a party—especially one built around helping others. This is the spirit of Urban Promise at Thanksgiving. (Possibly 400 families will feel the impact of this gift).
It’s people from all walks of life coming together to share their gifts and talents. That brings me great joy. Whether its corporate volunteers collecting food, grocery store managers donating turkeys, partners mailing in gift cards, our teens serving meals at community dinners, or grandmothers cooking their famous macaroni and cheese for our staff…everyone has something to contribute. Next week, hundreds of grateful families will open gift baskets filled with food, warmth and care—creating space for good meals and good fellowship with the people they love.
That’s good news to end our week. And a beautiful way to begin the holiday season.
Bruce Main
President & Founder
Urban Promise