Thanksgiving has always been a curious time of year for me. I am always rushing whether I am getting ready to entertain here, packing up to travel, or trying to finish projects before the holiday, but there’s also a strong pull to sit back and reflect on the meaning of holiday – or maybe it’s just procrastination.

Beyond family and friends, the other usual stuff, for me The Giving Circle of Alexandria is right at the top of my list.

#1 I am grateful for our financial contributions that we invest back into programs like Healthy Families Alexandria and the Developmental Playgroup Initiative with the Center for Alexandria’s Children and our co-investor, ACT for Alexandria to help Alexandria’s children thrive, as well as our Developmental Gifts.

#2.  I am grateful for our community service work in the past year which include our book drive in the spring, ALIVE!’s Last Saturday Food Distribution in February, the projects through Giving Circle Families and other efforts throughout the year.

#3  I am grateful to everyone who has opened their home for meetings and events.  Hospitality and friendship are keynotes of our organization.

# 4. I am grateful for the great women on our Board and Committees who make the Giving Circle work and make the work fun.

# 5.  I am grateful to each and every member, whether you can give a little or a lot, whether or not you are able to get involved in other ways, together we do more.

Thank you for all you do for the Giving Circle and the community in this time of great challenge.  I hope that you have a wonderful holiday with family and friends.