Today was a big day at Della Lamb in Kansas City. The UMC related Mission gave over 1200 families the groceries to prepare a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Thanks to many donations from our United Methodist Churches and others, each family that qualified received a turkey or hen, a frozen pie, dressing mix, gravy mix, boxed mashed potatoes, canned veggies, cranberry sauce, eggs, margarine, and a cake mix. The Lamb has been doing this "give away" for many years.
When I arrived at the Lamb this morning, the "clients" were lined up all the way around the block. It was amazing to see the many immigrants from dozens of countries that The Lamb serves. Several of the African women simply put the brown paper bags of groceries on their heads, took the hands of one or two preschoolers and walked out.
There were many other volunteers there, including a Sunday School Class from UMC Church of the Resurrection in Kansas. I worked with old friends, Dr. Eph and Jan Ehly. Kevin Cozad from Kearney UMC, and Pat Johnson, our Della Lamb Board President were helping, also.
Judy Akers and her staff are incredible. They had worked for days sacking the non-perishables and today before the "clients" came, we added the refrigerated stuff. Tomorrow, Della staff will begin to prepare for Operation Christmas. Food for a meal and gifts for all family members will be prepared to be given to needy families.
Many of the "clients" were non-English speakers, but everyone I encountered smiled and said, "Thank you". It was a wonderful and exhausting day, but I was the one who was truly blessed and I am truly thankful for the experience.
Happy Thanksgiving Friends!
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