PAHOKEE — Gratitude is a small thing that can benefit others in a big way. It is indeed a blessing to be able to go into our second year of providing a Thanksgiving meal to families in need at Pahokee Middle Senior High School.

The news of our work has spread through our school community and this year we were able to give out complete meals to 20 families. Donations were received from family, friends and school staff to fill the boxes with yams, green beans, dressing, rice, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and cake. We received a donation of a turkey for each family from Freeman Injury Law and Reggie D. which completed our Thanksgiving Blessing box for the families. The families came to the school on Nov. 19,  between noon and 1:30 p.m. to pick up their boxes and boxes were delivered to families that could not make it to the school.

Reflecting on this year’s giving it was such a blessing to have students from the National Junior Honor Society help decorate, pack and give out the blessings to each family. We also had Attorney Freeman and Reggie D. drive out to support our efforts on Saturday as well. I have a lot to be grateful for but it warmed my heart to see the seed that was sown from a thought on the fish creek grow into a selfless act that has been supported by friends to ensure my dream came to fruition.

The spirit of gratitude and the fullness I have for this project reminds me of a quote by Michelle Obama “We learned about gratitude and humility-that so many people had a hand in our success”.

Wishing a blessed Thanksgiving holiday to all!