Letter to the Editor - Come join the fellowship of the Community Thanksgiving Dinner next year

Dear Editor,

For decades in Havre a team of people organize a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, this past Thursday was no exception.

Our current mission statement is like the first celebrated Thanksgiving in 1621, that meal 397 years ago was arranged for strangers to come together to share a bountiful harvest and give thanks.

Since that first gathering, the world has changed so much, our hearts have changed, too, many have lost their way to the table. This year, we delivered more meals to the homes than what we served in the dining room. Next year my hope is people will come to the tables that are prepared at the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish Center.

I understand physical restraints may not allow some to come; my hope is those of you who are physically able will join us in the dining room. The spirit of this wonderful gift is fellowship we give to each other.

Many thanks to the following: the donor who pays the grocery bill, Chef Peter Bruni, Alan Sorenson, Gary & Leo’s Fresh Foods, Gus Sharp and the team at Sharp Financial, The Havre Daily News, The Havre Herald, The New Media Broadcasters, the North Central Senior Citizens Center, the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish community and the 140-plus people who spent time lending a hand. You all made the work load light and all will carry the message forward: Volunteers are love in motion.

My hope for this holiday season is that we may each be gracious to one another; there are many people fighting battles, ones we may never know or understand, but a kind and caring heart will make a difference for everyone. May God bless you all. 

Deb Rhines

Community volunteer