Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Honored

The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank was recently honored as the top food bank in the U.S. for its work in feeding the hungry. BRAFB received the "2009 Feeding America Member of the Year" award at the Feeding America Annual Conference last week. The award is based on going above and beyond the core mission of food banks - last year BRAFB distributed 10.8 million lbs. of food, a 24% increase in just one year. The "Kids Cafe" and the "BackPack" programs are great example of their outreach. The award is quite an honor considering there are over 200 food banks in the country. Read more about the award and the work of the BRAFB.

Given the yesterday's vote in which GOP legislators killed expanded unemployment benefits, the work of Virginia food banks and food pantries is more important than ever. You can help the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank or a local food pantry (such as the Verona Community Food Pantry, PO Box 187, Verona VA 24482) by making a tax-deductible donation.

Almost Christmas

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve. Hope your family is gathering, the hearth warm, the pantry full.

Speaking of pantries, yesterday I stopped by the Verona Community Food Pantry to drop off a donation and to volunteer to help get them an online presence. The parking lot was full, the staff was hustling to keep up with all the clients. With layoffs, heating bills, etc. lots of people need help. Send your donation to Verona Community Food Pantry at PO Box 187, Verona, VA 24482.

Cold today so I made Broa, a Portuguese Corn Bread. Very interesting round loaf with nice crust, a light texture, and earthy flavor. And corn!

Sunday evening we visited Monticello for an evening tour that included going to the 3rd floor Dome Room which isn't on the normal tour. I've been to TJ's place 8-10 times (2nd time in the Dome) and I always learn something new about the man and Monticello. As we gathered in the new gift shop/museum who should walk in but the former deposed Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, Vance Wilkins. I was glad he, and his extended family, were in the other tour group - it would have sickened me to hear any of his BS comments about wingnut Virginia Republicans being the natural heirs of Jefferson's legacy.

Merry Christmas to all. Even Vance.

Holiday Gift Guide

As you shop for gifts for family and loved ones, you might also want give a gift to help others in your community. Here's my short list of possibilities:

• The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. The seven food banks serving Virginia are asking Governor Kaine and the General Assembly for an emergency grant of $1 million to help them through the winter. Obviously your donation can go a long way! Or, drop off canned goods (you know there are things in your pantry that you'll never use) at grocery stores
• Perhaps you'd rather give to (or volunteer with) a food pantry that serves meals and provides food directly to folks needing it. Most communities have several of varying sizes and clientele. Two of my favorites are Trinity Church in Staunton and Verona Community Food Pantry (PO Box 187, Verona 24482).
• The American Red Cross. You can target donations to a local chapter if you wish.
• The Salvation Army. At least drop your spare change in the Red Kettle. How about donating clothes, coats, toys, household goods, etc. to their store? You can shop there for great bargains, too. Goodwill Industries provides education, training, and other assistance to homeless people and others working to get out of welfare dependency. They also accept donations of clothing and household goods... and more. You can shop at their stores, too.
• Your local volunteer rescue squad or fire department.
• The local chapter of the Humane Society or SPCA.

Want to give a gift of charity and let the recipient of the gift pick the charity? Check out SixDegrees.org. You choose the amount and give a Good Card (or email) to a family or friend who then picks their favorite charity from hundreds of worthwhile charities. Social networking with a conscience.

As always, take time to check out any charity you give to. A good source of information on the strength and work of thousands of charities is Charity Navigator.

Talking Turkey

Thanksgiving Week. A time for family, food, and football. We are planning a big spread with grilled/smoked turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, corn puddin' and limas (aka succotash), and much more. The kids will be home. The wood stove warm. The food and fellowship great.

Thanksgiving.

Thanks. Giving.

While we pause to give THANKS, may you also think about GIVING to those who have lost a job, or been set back by illness, accident, or other misfortune. Your table, like mine, may be overflowing with the abundance of our great country, but that won't be true for some families and many children.

Please consider making a personal or a group donation to a community food pantry, such as the Verona Community Food Pantry (PO Box 187, Verona, VA 24482) that is serving nearly 2000 families in Augusta Co., Staunton, and Waynesboro. A little inquiry should yield names of several in your area. Or, make a donation of money or canned goods to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank that assists those pantries in the Shenandoah Valley and Central Virginia. Support food drives at grocery stores, restaurants, and community organizations.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving. After saying thanks, please remember the Giving.