Random Thanksgiving thoughts…

So now the Marina Gazette has fully embraced the digital age. Somehow I already miss the tangible, print edition. That said; here are some more random thoughts that don’t necessarily fit in a full column but are worth sharing for this Holiday week.

We all have so much to be thankful for as we head into Thanksgiving week but a new report from the Centers of Disease Control counts Monterey County as the most dangerous County in California for youth at risk between the ages of 10 and 24. There are many elements to this but when Marina has some 76 percent of our kids that qualify for free or reduced lunches at school we know we have work to do in our own backyard.

The Marina Police Department is working with HOPE Services on a jean drive in early December. Take a few minutes and clean out your closets and drawers of those old jeans you will never wear again and take them to the Marina Police Station. There are many people, of all ages, who need them desperately.

Of course, many people do step up and help serve Thanksgiving meals to those who are in need this week. Almost all our service organizations really do a great job fulfilling this mission. If you cannot help out please consider dropping a check off to the Thomas Carmen Food Pantry at the Epiphany Lutheran and Episcopal Church (Carmel and California Streets). Can goods are always welcome but at this time of year they need to buy lots of items so a cash donation is extremely helpful.

It goes without saying that the need for help really is a year round issue and there are many organizations that do great work to benefit those of all ages. One that is close to my heart is the Nutrition Program through the City’s Recreation and Cultural Services Department. Our City staff and an incredible group of very dedicated volunteers serve breakfast at our Teen Center, Monday through Friday while school is in session. This program has reduced truancy and has helped to keep kids in school so they have alternatives in life. It also makes sure that those that may not get a good breakfast have that opportunity.

That same program extends to late afternoon with a hearty snack for many who will likely not get dinner at home. This too has made a tremendous difference in the lives of many kids in our community. To help support this program, please go to www.themarinafoundation.org and donate to the Marina Teen Center Nutrition programs. Full disclosure, I am President of The Marina Foundation and I can assure you that all donations to the program are tax deductible and all proceeds go to the program itself.

One final thought for the week. I am very grateful that I live in a community that really does step up and help those that may not be as fortunate. We as a community do so without regard to politics, race, religion, or any other measure that our society wants to pigeonhole people into. We do so because it’s the right thing to do, period.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving week!

More later…