In some circles, November is considered ‘Gratitude Month’, probably due to the United States holiday of Thanksgiving. Most, if not all cultures have special times or holidays in which people consider their blessings, and reach out to those who do not have as much.
Here at NMH we are undoubtedly blessed. You don’t have to be a religious person to agree with this. We live, study and/or work on a beautiful campus in scenic Western Massachusetts. We have opportunities to participate in a wealth of activity. Our spirits and minds are well fed, as are our bodies. In terms of physical food, NMH Dining Services is superb, committed to using local ingredients as much as possible, and providing a delicious array of choices daily. We who study, work and live here do not have to worry about going hungry. But this is not true for many of our neighbors in Franklin County.
Particularly in these challenging economic times, some families in our geographic area do not have enough to eat. Some families who have always been able to put food on the table are facing shortfalls due to job loss. The local food banks provide a critical service — taking food donations for our neighbors in need.
So this November, as you think about the Thanksgiving meal you will share with family and/or friends, please consider making a donation of food which will go toward those in need nearby.
A carton for food donations sits in the Schauffler Library’s foyer, next to the free box. Please Join the Library Food Drive.
From The Foodbank of Western Massachsuetts - Current list of most-needed items:
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Rice and canned soup or stew
- Spaghetti and canned spaghetti sauce
- Canned pasta meals
- Tuna
- Low-sugar cereals
- Canned beans
When the box is full of donated food, a librarian will bring it directly to the Franklin Area Survival Center in Turners Falls.
– Alison Ernst, Library Director
