To the Editor:
(Dec. 2014) “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:11
We quite often do not realize how such a small act of kindness has a ripple effect on the world but even more important is how it improves and adds value to our community.
Thanksgiving is a time to really take account of our lives and truly appreciate not only what we have in our lives but who and why. Though I try to personally thank everyone who has impacted my life, I know though I do not mean to, I may have forgotten some. Please know you all hold a special place in my heart.
I would like to take this time to thank those who have been so instrumental in this last year. To Amanda Larson and the Gorman foundation for believing in my dream to feed the youth of our community, without your support, the program would not have happened.
To CAP for their wonderful programs that believe in the worth of each person, and assisting in leading the Summer Feeding Program.
To the American Legion, who believe in the value of our vets and the mission of the Summer Feeding Program.
To the many United Way volunteers and businesses supporting the United Way of Greater Oneida, Inc., who see the need and respond to the call.
To the Food Bank of CNY, whose commitment goes beyond ending hunger and insuring programs have the support needed to run.
To the Feinstein Foundation, who is dedicated to the alleviation of hunger in our community.
To the Oneida Rotary, who faithfully put on the community Thanksgiving meal the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and continue to support so many worthwhile programs in our community.
To the media and the Greater Oneida Chamber of Commerce for insuring our community knows what is going on.
To First United Methodist Church and staff for answering Karing Kitchen’s constant pleas, especially Carol Butler, who undertook the massive appeal to update our kitchen facilities with a wonderful cookbook that is available at a nominal cost of $10.
To the Karing Kitchen advisory board, who responds to whatever the need is, even when it is giving so much of your time to address the growth of the organization.
To all of our churches, civic groups and organizations, for being there physically, but also in spirit. When you hear of a need, you respond.
To Bambi Niles and her commitment to ensure our community is properly clothed for the winter weather.
To NYE Ford and WMCR for upcoming Share a Caring Christmas, who assists in providing a Christmas for those involved.
To all the bell ringers for the Oneida Salvation Army Service Unit Red Kettle season, without you there would not be funds to assist those who need a hand up during difficult times.
To all those who contribute by taking an Angel Tag from the community, adopting a family or donating funds to Karing Kitchen for the Christmas food baskets, we would not be able to assist the number of families without your help.
To the family of Leonard Block for remembering our mission in his final hour.
And last but definitely not least, I am blessed to have such a caring and understanding family.
Because of all of you, Karing Kitchen is able to continue to advocate, improve and enhance the quality of life of those in our community.
Our program truly could not function without “karing” hearts like yours.
Thank you.
Melissa King, Karing Kitchen Coordinator