Fall gatherings with full tables surrounded by families giving thanks for a year gone by is a picture-perfect tradition many of us look forward to each year. For the sixth year in a row the amazing organization Thanksgiving Dinner for the Kids is answering the call to make sure that no child or family is left out in having this tradition during this holiday season. They have done the amazing work of helping to provide over 1000 meals over the previous five years. That is an incredible number of families served during the holiday season, who were then able to enjoy a plentiful thanksgiving meal.
When I reached out to Stacey Medina the co-founder of Thanksgiving Dinner for the Kids, she said that they are working with Communities in Schools to make sure that all donations go directly to the families in need. All donations need to be turned in by November 15th to ensure that they are distributed on time. Due to issues keeping food fresh, and the covid pandemic all donations have to be either grocery store gift cards or monetary donations. All checks must be made out to Communities in Schools and you can put Thanksgiving Dinner for the Kids in the memo line.
Stacey and her Co-Founder Tabitha Staley made it incredibly easy this year for everyone to donate to the cause. There are six drop off locations. Three in Elko: Elko Chamber office, Bonanza Produce, and Bronze Beauty Bar, and three in Spring Creek: Anytime Fitness, Family Dental Care, Spring Creek Association offices. With the six drop off locations it leaves plenty of convenient places for anyone to stop by and leave a check or a grocery store gift card that maybe you happened to pick up while you were doing your normal grocery run.
When I asked her what her favorite memory has been so far, Stacey said that it was a few years ago when a little girl came up to her and handed her two cans of peas. The little girl said, “Please make sure a family gets this. You helped my family so we needed to help someone else.” Moments like those are what make the entire experience worth everything that she does.
As a community these moments are the ones where we come together each you with good will and gratitude to help those with less. We thank Tabitha and Stacey for being Good Neighbors and Champions in our community for the past six years. Please go make a donation and help the cause.
If you would like to nominate a Good Neighbor please call Kayla at 775-738-3423 or email kayla.ozman.waav@statefarm.com