THANKSGIVING 2009

When I signed in I could not believe how long it had been since I had last posted something. Please forgive the delay in getting all our good news out.

In November the LWML (Lutheran Women's Missionary League) from Trinity Lutheran Church LCMS, in Gallup, NM decided to help The Thomas House with our desire to pass out 100 food baskets for Thanksgiving to the Elders and those needing help in the area. They hosted a food drive of non-persiable items, that way The Thomas House would not have to spend money on buying $25 Holiday Baskets from the Gallup Community Pantry. Also Thrivent Community Cares offered to match money spent on turkeys for the baskets, so we could buy twice as much. Thrivent matched the money up to $800, which I spent on turkeys, rolls, potatos, cranberries, and stuffing. We were blessed that when Howie and the gang came in September, we did not have to purchase canned vegetables.

The youth from Trinity came to the house to prepare and deliver food baskets. Along with the baskets, we delivered prayer, love and warm blankets. This was a good experience for the youth to visit and see the difference between city living and rough reservation life. Several of the houses did not have electricity, most did not have plumbing that we went to. I was so glad to see on lady who recieved a blasket last year that had a hogan in shambles, this year was having a new on built by family this year.

By the end of the Holiday Basket drive - I am proud to say, we gave away 93 food baskets total, 25 of these basekts were given directly to Baca/Dlo ayazhi Community School and the rest were passed out to those who had visited The Clothing Barn and those that community leaders knew that were in need. We had doctors at Crownpoint Medical Facility PHS, the hospital George works at, to bake turkeys for those who didn't have baking facilities, it truly was a blessing to see everyone work together to get the job done. Beverly of Sierra Vista Counseling made a donation of $250 to help get all the items purchased that was needed for the baskets that was not donated. They also spent a few hours making baksets one afternoon, so the delivery for Baca could go unhindered.