We have much to be thankful for …

This is the time of year for giving, and it’s in that spirit of goodwill that we would like to take a moment to thank those who work so hard to make sure their friends and neighbors are properly cared for at this time of year.

Where to begin?

There’s the Sunday in the Country Food Drive, spearheaded by “NASCAR” Dave MacMillan. Through his efforts, hundreds of families are provided turkeys, and in many cases full Thanksgiving Day meals, for free. MacMillan expressed concern this year about the turkey shortage and expense, due in large measure to the bird flu that hit the country earlier this year. But he’s determined to do whatever he can to make Thanksgiving, and Christmas too, the best it can be for those in need.

Then there’s the Pine Plains Community Food Locker, which in addition to its monthly distribution of food is handing out $30 vouchers to Peck’s Market, so people can get meats and other items for their Thanksgiving Day meals. The Food Locker has been at it for more than a quarter of a century, and it shows no signs of slowing down, thankfully.

In Millerton, students helped put together Thanksgiving Day baskets for the hungry at the Presbyterian Church’s food pantry. The students were from the girls varsity soccer team, coached by Mark Moren. Moren has involved his students in one way or another with the food pantry for more than a decade. What a wonderful practice — teaching empathy is probably among the most important things a teacher could do.

Then there is St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Millbrook, which also does charity work during the holidays, but keeps that work private.

Like St. Joseph’s, many other churches throughout the Harlem Valley quietly do good deeds at this time of year. There’s the Vines and Branches Food Pantry at Immaculate Conception in Amenia, for instance, which is constantly collecting and distributing food to the hungry.

In Dover, the Dutchess County Community Action Agency has the Center of Compassion, which offers family support, a food pantry and thrift support. It also does plenty of good works for residents in the region, especially around the holidays.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Garzetta, director of Grace Millbrook Episcopal Church Latino Outreach, planned a full Thanksgiving Day service and meal for program participants. Last year there were nearly 180 diners — no small feat as the feast is funded entirely through donations. 

In nearby Amenia, the Food of Life Food Pantry, run by both St. Thomas Episcopal Church and Grace Millbrook Episcopal Church, is pairing up with the South Amenia Presbyterian Church to give out Thanksgiving Day baskets to the hungry. According to pantry coordinator Robin Capers, nearly 100 complete dinners were distributed on Friday, Nov. 20, to people from Amenia, Dover, Pine Plains, Millbrook, Connecticut and elsewhere. 

In Copake, there’s a free holiday dinner on Thanksgiving Day at the Memorial Park Community Center, hosted by the West Copake Reformed Church. Donations could be made to the Roe Jan Food Pantry — which helps the hungry year round.

Looking ahead to Christmas time, there’s Adopt-A-Family in Millerton, which is busy collecting new clothes and toys at this very moment. Stacey Moore heads that program up with a bevy of volunteers — all of whom help make the holidays a happy time for low-income children.

All of these people and institutions work diligently to make the holidays brighter for those in need. They do an important service in this area — one that could just as easily be overlooked as we rush around taking care of our own family and friends. Though not all of those who help out could be listed here (that would be next to impossible), all of their efforts are appreciated. It’s heartwarming to know that this community’s sense of altruism is as strong today as it’s always been.