We Get More Than We Give!
‘Karen and Jay celebrate the spirit of sharing that emanates from the special sense of gratitude that we feel at the time of Thanksgiving’
The Thanksgiving holiday is a time for gratitude. A special moment when our families come together, and we feel a sense of appreciation for the love and blessings we enjoy. It is also a time for sharing. As we recognize the good things that we have, we also feel an earnest sense of responsibility to share with others. To do good deeds and to help the less fortunate among us. Offering a helping hand – with love and generosity.
The spirit of Thanksgiving compels us to extend our hands and hearts to all those in our lives, reinforcing the idea that sharing is not just limited to material items. It’s about fostering connections, spreading joy, and igniting hope in our communities. This collective impulse to give back transforms a day centered on thanks into a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.
Food drives are one of the most common expressions of this sharing spirit during the Thanksgiving season. Our Sunshine Initiative has led the way in our hometown area of Newport-Claremont, New Hampshire over the past several years, and this has been immensely gratifying. As communities come together to collect non-perishable items for those in need, the act of donating becomes a unifying force to ensure that no family goes hungry during the holidays. For instance, "Feeding America" mobilizes thousands of volunteers across the nation to distribute meals and groceries, offering not just food, but a sense of belonging and care.
Thanksgiving also brings awareness to community dinners that invite individuals from all walks of life to partake in a shared meal. For example, events like the annual "Thanksgiving Day Dinner" at the Los Angeles Mission aim to serve thousands of homeless and needy individuals, offering not just food, but companionship and warmth. Volunteers gather to prepare traditional dishes, serve meals, and engage in uplifting conversations, illustrating that sharing transcends the act of eating together; it's about making everyone feel welcomed and valued. These gatherings serve as a powerful testament to the importance of human connection and the joy of breaking bread with others.
Beyond physical nourishment, Thanksgiving is a time to share inspiration and hope. Many community organizations take this opportunity to highlight stories of resilience and courage that encourage others to aspire to their fullest potential. The “Thanksgiving Parade” in various cities often features uplifting performances and messages that resonate with the spirit of giving and hope. Such events can inspire attendees to make positive changes in their own lives and encourage others to pursue their dreams. The act of sharing inspiration serves as a catalyst for change, reminding individuals that they are capable of achieving greatness and that support is always within reach.
Ultimately, Thanksgiving embodies the essence of sharing in its many forms—whether through food, community engagement, or inspiring conversations. The holiday invites us to reflect on how we can impact those around us, not just during this season but throughout the year. By actively participating in events that promote sharing, we create a ripple effect of kindness and hope. This Thanksgiving, as we express our gratitude, let us also embrace the opportunity to share our resources, our time, and our encouragement, instilling in others the belief that they too can overcome challenges and thrive. In this way, we celebrate not just a holiday, but the enduring spirit of compassion that defines our humanity. Please enjoy this special and wonderful holiday!
A Heartwarming Story of Sharing at Restoration Acres Farm in Meredith, NH
Contributed by Kathy Sorell of Restoration Acres Farm
As we head towards another Thanksgiving and celebration of our harvest, I am grateful to share a bit of my story.
I truly believe that we all have gifts to share. Many of us don't realize the impacts of our gifts and how much of an impact simple gestures of kindness can make.
I became a single mom in 2007. I was looking at times away from my children as they went to their father's house. Determined to not wallow in my grief I decided to do the one thing I knew how to do and that was cook. This began a journey of sharing food, stories and kindness. It's been my experience that we never can give without receiving…and we are always blessed beyond words.
I began serving at a local soup kitchen and a homeless shelter in 2007. I was moved by how similar I was to everyone I encountered. Our stories might be different but many of us have been through many challenges some more difficult than others. The one thing that rang true for me was that I had a really, solid support system. Many people do not have this. I often felt like cooking meals for people wasn't enough, but it wasn't long before I realized that cooking for people is a wonderful way to share my love and concern for my fellow man.
I served at the soup kitchen for 7 years and a few years after I had bought my first home, I wanted to continue to cook for anyone that might need a homemade meal. I had experienced having to go to a food pantry once when I was struggling and I found it to be an incredibly difficult, pride sucking situation to be in. I had always worked full-time. I never saw myself as someone who was poor or in need, and yet here I was struggling to put food on the table for my children and pay my rent. Once I bought my house, I still struggled but my job was much more solid I felt like I could maybe give back even just a little. My youngest son had to drop out of school due to disability and mental health issues. I needed to be able to live my life but stay close to home and still give back. I wasn't sure how that was going to work.
Covid definitely created a whole new dynamic, and I felt like it created an opportunity. I always made too much food, and my kids would complain about leftovers for days. I thought, why not start a free community meal freezer in my garage. I started to make soups and stews put them in containers, label them and put them out in my garage. At first it was pretty, minimal, and we would maybe give out 10- 20 meals a week. As time went on and word of mouth, we started to notice more people coming. Little by little we were serving about 50 meals a week.
I have no intentions of becoming a nonprofit I just wanted to do a little something extra for people while I worked my full-time job at home. This gave me a perfect opportunity to do that. Then out of the blue someone decided they didn't like what we were doing and reported me to the state saying that I was selling food. I couldn't believe it! Why on earth would anybody report me? I wasn't selling anything I was giving it away. I was crushed I thought wow I guess I'm not going to do this anymore. I spoke to the state employee, and we talked about the options that I had and one of the consistent responses was, “why not become a nonprofit?”
These are the moments that you think, wow, do I really want to go to the next step? Do I really want to spend that money? Do all that paperwork? It just seemed so huge to me. I had a lot of encouragement from many neighbors and people that even donated so that I didn't have to pay out-of-pocket for the nonprofit application which was around $1,000. Just under a year later we were a official non-profit 501.c(3) as of April 2023. I was overjoyed and scared to death all at once.
As time has gone on, we have grown exponentially. That growth has also come with more expenses. Typically, food costs alone cost us close to $1,000 a month and that does not include the cost to run all the electricity with the appliances. I do, however, believe that you can't go wrong ‘doing good’ and so we continue to press on. We have more and more people interested in supporting us whether it's big or small. We have been able to put up a 50 ft. greenhouse that we received a partial grant on. We are growing food for the community to give away for free and, also offer some for sale to help support our community meals. We now give out an average of 400 meals a month. We were given a beautiful 10x20 building where we now house our food pantry. We were able to move out of the garage and into an actual building on the property. We stock it once or twice a week. We have food people can take home and cook, food that is ready to eat and eat and dry goods as well as hygiene items and warm clothing. I am also learning how to write grants, really, well 😁
We have become a resource for the local Red Cross as we are the only food pantry open every day and available 24/7. We are unique because we live here, we are private but because of that we are not held down by the typical issues other food pantries face. On the flip side we do not get food from the state as they do not allow you to cook the food and give it out or how is it in a building that isn't considered a commercial building. Because of that we are on our own but as I have learned if you have a heart for something probably other people do too. Our family, our little village has grown and grown. We continue to move forward in the desire to reduce the food insecurity in and around our area.
No person who comes here is ever limited because of the town they live in or because they've been here once before that week. We work with people as to their need and do what we can to help them out. We also connect people to local resources. We have an absolutely, fantastic community with many different great resources the most important thing is to connect people to the right place. When we hear of a family struggling with health issues, we offer special meals delivered to that home during that time of difficulty. We always offer a curb-free drop off so that not to bother anyone who's already going through a lot but to support them and show them that they are cared for.
We joined Project Happy this year, and we were so pleased and excited to have an opportunity to connect to volunteers in our community. We've already had our first volunteer and it's been a wonderful experience.
I'm incredibly grateful for the struggles I have been through because they have given me tremendous compassion for others. I am incredibly grateful for the people around us who continue to keep our heads above water financially, emotionally and everything in between. There are some days it just seems like too much but then I will see a note left to thank us for helping a family going through a hard time and my heart is full and my energy restored.
Our next big goal is to enlarge our driveway more, so we have a better area for people to pull in and park. We also would like to add another small building, a shed maybe 10x10 for clothing. We hope to be able to have clothing every day for people to come in and we hope to make it a dollar donation location that will support the food pantry. Just as with the food pantry however if people cannot afford what they need they don't need to ask permission they can take what they need. We have found that the people who can give, do. We also know that everyone has a season in their lives and some of those seasons are very difficult. For some people that season never changes. We also have some folks that come back later and want to donate because we help them through a hard time and that's always encouraging to see people in a better place and know we were able to help them get there.
I hope that this message encourages you to share whatever your gifts might be. I hope it encourages you to share your time, your talents, your finances whatever it might be that you've been given in your life. I truly believe that when we work together, we help make the workload a lot lighter and the world a much better place.
Blessings,
Kathy @Restoration Acres Farm 501c3
91 Corliss Hill Rd Meredith NH 03253
Discovering the Joy and ‘Sharing’ of Little Libraries
In a world driven by technology and fast-paced lifestyles, the simplicity of a Little Free Library stands as a beautiful reminder of the power of community and lifelong learning. These charming, small book-sharing boxes are sprinkled across neighborhoods in New Hampshire and throughout the country, fostering connections one book at a time. Whether you’re in the bustling streets of Manchester or the quiet corners of the Monadnock Region, Little Free Libraries serve as beacons of knowledge and kindness.
The concept is simple but profound: “Take a book, leave a book.” This grassroots movement, founded in 2009, has grown to include over 150,000 registered libraries worldwide. Here in New Hampshire, these little havens reflect our deep-seated belief in bettering ourselves and our neighbors. They remind us that even in small acts—like sharing a favorite novel or picking up a new perspective—lies the potential to grow and inspire.
A map of these libraries can be found here, offering a treasure hunt of sorts for book lovers. Whether you want to give your well-loved books a second life or find a new read to spark your imagination, this map helps connect you to your local community’s shared literary treasures.
Little Free Libraries also embody the idea of letting go, as discussed in the Sunshine Initiative’s reflection on personal growth. Sharing a book is about more than decluttering a shelf; it’s about passing along stories, knowledge, and inspiration to someone who may need it. Each little library stands as a testament to the importance of giving, receiving, and continually striving to improve ourselves and our communities.
So next time you spot one of these charming libraries, stop and take a moment. You might find not just a book, but a connection to something larger—something truly special.
Positive Profile of the Week: The Godfreys and Their Heartfelt Filling Station
In a world that can sometimes feel fast-paced and disconnected, there are beautiful souls who open their doors and hearts to others. Alisa and Paul Godfrey are among those rare and extraordinary people, offering warmth, support, and love to anyone who steps into their home. Their beloved home, fondly known as The Filling Station, has become a true sanctuary for many.
In the spirit of generosity and community, Alisa and Paul graciously welcome people from all walks of life. This includes participants of Klemmer and Associates, a personal development training company with a ranch in Bandera, TX. After their transformational weekend or week-long programs, some participants take the bus back to the San Antonio airport, while others make their way to The Filling Station, just ten minutes away. Here, they are met with more than just a warm meal—they are embraced by an atmosphere of kindness, connection, and prayer for those who wish to participate.
The Filling Station is not just a place for breakfast but a place where hearts are filled with friendship, encouragement, and community. Each meal is made possible through the generosity of others, including Klemmer students who donate food to share. Alisa and Paul also go above and beyond, taking on the important task of ensuring that all the towels and linens from the ranch are cleaned and prepared for the next group of attendees. It’s a humble, loving service they provide, ensuring every detail is taken care of.
For those in need of a little extra relaxation, there is a massage chair available for a suggested donation, with all funds going toward purchasing a new van for the ranch. It’s a small but meaningful way the Godfreys contribute to the well-being of others and the ongoing success of the programs that have touched so many lives.
As Jon Morton, a member of the Sunshine Initiative describes:
"I’ve had the honor of visiting the Godfreys’ home several times, and each visit feels like a homecoming. The warm smiles, the open hearts, and the generosity of spirit create a space where people feel valued and appreciated. Paul cherishes reading the messages in their guest book, and together with Alisa and their three children, they deeply appreciate the inspiring people who visit them from all over the country—sometimes as far as Alaska, Hawaii, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and New Hampshire."
In contrast to the sterile, impersonal feeling of an airport terminal, The Filling Station offers something far more valuable: connection. It’s a place where, instead of waiting for a flight, people gather and share stories, experiences, and kindness. The Godfreys' home stands as a beacon of hope, love, and generosity.
When I first heard about The Filling Station, I imagined a traditional gas station, like the Phillips 76 stations of old. But what I found was something much more profound—an act of love, care, and hospitality. While there may be many “filling stations” across the country, I believe there are few that embody the spirit of selfless giving and warmth like the one Alisa and Paul have created. Their hearts, their home, and their smiles are a testament to the power of sharing and community.
Alisa and Paul, thank you for your boundless generosity and the love you pour into every guest. You are making a beautiful difference in the lives of so many, and we are deeply grateful for all that you do."
Quote of the Week: Sharing at the Time of Thanksgiving
"At Thanksgiving, we acknowledge our blessings, share our bounty, and cherish the company of those we love."
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