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Last year, Jacque Gonzales, Rick Domeier and I were lucky enough to be able to join several of our QVC colleagues to make a visit to the Chester County Food Bank, in Exton, PA, to deliver complete Thanksgiving meals for over 100 families in need, right here in our community. We did it to help feed folks who need and deserve a great meal on Thanksgiving and year round...and to help raise awareness during National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. What we learned is that hunger knows no holiday…that there is a crisis of food insecurity for many families in our region and beyond. Most of these folks work hard and simply don't make enough to provide enough for their families. There are thousands of families who rely on donations from local food banks. Those food banks rely largely on donations from private citizens like you and me.

While we toured the wonderful facility that is the Chester County Food Bank, our new friends Anne and Phoebe of the food bank staff, showed us  the large refrigerator and freezer facilities where the donated perishable food is stored. We were shown the huge warehouse with stacks of bags of rice and canned goods, boxes of produce, both donated and grown by the farm that assists the food bank with freshly grown local spinach, kale, leeks, carrots, lettuce, and more, depending upon the season. We were also given a tour of the farm....which has amazingly warm hi-tunnel greenhouses that continue to grow fresh herbs and other produce even during the winter season.

The Chester County Food Bank is an amazing organization, which helps so many people to put food on their table each day. We were in awe of what they do....year round. Last year, they donated 2.6 million pounds of food to more than 100 food cupboards and meal sites throughout our county. They also partner with schools to provide a Nutrition Education Program which teaches children to make healthy food choices.

I was inspired to take a list of what was needed, go pick up my husband, and go grocery shopping for several families for Thanksgiving. We were so happy we could help. Food has the power to warm the soul and we know that by supporting the food bank, these donations are going directly to people in our area who will be able to enjoy the holiday together as a family, which is so important.

What can you do? Make a donation of time, money or food to YOUR local food bank. Donate a turkey and sides during the holiday season. Donate peanut butter, canned meats, vegetables and fruits and cereal...things that you'd find in your own pantry....year round. Host a food drive. When friends ask what they can bring to your holiday gathering, suggest a donation to the local Food Bank in your area. You can find out where yours is located by searching on the internet under Food Bank or Food Pantry, along with your zip code. You can find your local Pet Food Pantry the same way.   

May you find many Blessings coming your way this holiday season and all year long. And may you find it in your heart to share them with those in need. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!!

Carolyn, Jacque, Rick and all of your QVC family and friends