The request came in. Would I write a column of thanks for Project GRACE? Both the recipients and the volunteers have a lot to be thankful for. And they are approaching their busiest time of the year when they can use all the help that they can get. Sure, I’d write a column for them. But what to say that hasn’t been said before, without making it sound like just a big long commercial?

Then it came to me. It’s rather simple. Thank you, Project GRACE! As I pondered my everyday life today, my current employment and my opportunity to write for this paper, so much of what I do today is because of Project GRACE.

It all started by seeing a bunch of fake fir trees with tags on them in the lobby of St. Maximilian Kolbe church several years ago. The tags in various shapes represented families, shelters and agencies in need of various things. I gathered some tags, purchased the gifts as instructed, and returned them to St. Maximilian Kolbe parish. It felt good to be able to purchase exactly what someone needed.

Those trees, by the way, will go up this weekend. If you wish to make a Christmas meaningful for someone in the community in need, please gather a tag from the tree. You could also bring your children to St. Maximilian Kolbe on Dec. 3 to shop at Presents for Parents, and while you’re there, pick up a tag. You’ll feel good helping someone, and you never know what that experience may lead to.

The lyrics of a Red Grammer song jogged my memory of the gift- giving tree experience. It was as if someone had tapped me on the shoulder and said do something with this. It prompted me to embark on an activity I had never done before: fundraise. I anticipated doors being slammed in my face – could I really do this?

I first approached Current Publishing Co. in search of advertising sponsorship. Not only has the company provided Project GRACE with ad sponsorship year after year, it also gave me the opportunity to write a column each week, and has provided me with many freelance writing opportunities as well. Thank you, Current Publishing!

Fearful that local business owners may hide when they see me come in, I wonder if they’re thinking: what will she ask for next? Instead, I’ve been surprised by the many who have their checkbook open, and make my asking that much easier. Thank you to all of you. So far, no door has been slammed in my face; rather, doors have been opened. I was taken by surprise a few years ago when Scarborough Downs not only wrote a check, but also gave me a job.

Immediately following the Race for GRACE summer fundraiser, just when I thought it may be time to breathe again, philanthropist Eddie Woodin came to Project GRACE with a fuel fundraising challenge: $2,500 to Project GRACE if the groups could find a match, and then he set the fundraising goal of $10,000 by Dec. 1.

A couple of announcements in the newspaper and a plea for help to a few of the civic organizations in town was all that it took. Not one, but two matches came in! Thanks to the generosity of many in town, Project GRACE has exceeded the fuel fundraising goal, raising $13,500 to date!

Project GRACE, an acronym for Granting Resources and Assistance through Community Effort, is much like the Thanksgiving meal that I know and love so well.

Growing up on a family farm, I recall my grandmother pulling together a series of tables layered with white table cloths to make it appear as one large table. A collection of unmatched chairs came together to provide a seat for everyone around the table. Harvested vegetables from the garden made their way into the kitchen. The meal came together thanks to a collection of everyone’s efforts.

The celebration of Thanksgiving calls us to gather together and give thanks. As I gather my Thanksgiving thoughts, I thank Project GRACE for the many opportunities it has provided to meet new friends, job opportunities that I never would have thought of doing and most of all, the volunteer opportunity to help people in need in the community.

Together, our community can improve the lives of those in need – thanks to all who do so much for Project GRACE. Happy Thanksgiving.