Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt

No matter how little was in the cupboard come this time of year, Mom always found four cans of soup or boxes of jello for us four to donate to food hampers at our respective schools.

In elementary school, taking something for the food hamper gave me a sense of pride and duty. I was doing my small part to help someone who had less than we did.

(Aside story: One year – I was in Grade 3 or 4 – a day or two before Christmas holidays, there was a heavy snow fall during the day. The short school buses were very late in picking up the special ed students. A few teachers, including Mom, stayed with the children at school, mere blocks from where I write this now. We sang Christmas carols and played games while the snow continued falling outside. With suppertime nearing and some children requiring their evening medication, the teachers were on the verge of dipping into the large food hamper to feed us when the buses arrived. Everyone made it safely home that night.)

The ritual of donating to the food hamper continued through high school with a lunchtime sock-up. Admission was one can of food.

In my adult years, living on my own, I continued the tradition. The one year that I did have a job, I arranged an office collection for the university’s student food bank.

I missed a few years for a variety of reasons; mainly because a drop box wasn’t located close by. Those years I felt like a piece of Christmas was missing. I hadn’t done my part.

Those missed years were redeemed this year. Wanting to do more than a can of soup or a package of jello, I initially thought of donating a few complete dinners to the Union Gospel Mission. Then a voice said feed 100 people. I put the challenge out on Twitter.

To all of you who bought copies of The Best of…The Left Thumb Blogger: Volume I and cups of coffee, thank you for giving me that piece of Christmas. Together, you have ensured 100 people in dire need will enjoy a warm Christmas dinner.

I am amazed and warmed by how my online community extended its arms to my local community. A very sincere thank you.

Perhaps this will become a new tradition?