Happy Thanksgiving

Author: Br. Jerry

This Thanksgiving season as I enter into my final weeks as Executive Director of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, my heart is filled to overflowing for all I have experienced in this position during the past eleven and a half years. I have been forever changed by the people I have met.

First of all, I am grateful for the guests of the Soup Kitchen, who have taught me about poverty, racism, faith, and gratitude. (“How are you this morning?” I ask, as I arrive for another day of work.  “I’m blessed,” is the inevitable response. “I woke up this morning.”  I know full well that they might have woken up in a cold, abandoned house—but they are “blessed.” What a lesson for me.

Secondly, I am grateful for the staff of the Soup Kitchen, wonderfully dedicated people who unselfishly give of themselves in service to their brothers and sisters. They have been patient and loving with me, forgiving when I have made mistakes, challenging when I have become complacent or too comfortable. I will forever carry with me their loyalty and care.

Likewise, I am grateful for the literally thousands of volunteers who contribute their time and energies to this organization and the people we serve. In spite of raging blizzards, pounding rain, scorching heat,  volunteers manage to arrive at our service sites each day. Their contributions are invaluable.

And finally, I am grateful for our donors, people who open their wallets and swipe their credit cards in order to provide us with the financial resources we need in order to do this work. I appreciate their concern for their brothers and sisters, and their faith in us that their funds will be well-spent. May we never betray that trust. 

Happy thanksgiving, everyone, from the Capuchin Soup Kitchen!