Pass the Plate This Season More Than Ever
The phrase, “pass the plate,” evokes two images for me.
One involves that large family holiday gathering.
The table is crowded with more folks than it was meant to seat. It’s overflowing with amazing food, caring, and love.
As the carver-in-charge slices the turkey, ham, or tofurky, each guest’s plate is passed along and filled to order. Making its way around the table to whoever is doling out the broccoli casserole, the peas, the potatoes, the stuffing, or the gravy, the plate is loaded with food. Eventually, the once-empty plate makes its way back to its original guest and everyone digs into the feast.
Communal Contributions Create the Feast
That Norman Rockwell sense of family is punctuated by the communal effort. Each person seated before his or her respective food item adds it to each plate being passed around the table.
Chances are that several people at that gathering actually prepared a recipe or two for the celebration.
Others seated around the table contribute to the spirit simply by their presence.
Each person, regardless of her or his role in the day, is integral to creating that sense of kinship, of belonging, of family, of community, of celebration!
Collection Plates and Another Community
Another image that I connect with passing the plate is the collection plate. It’s been a traditional fixture of religious services. Though, in many congregations, a physical plate or basket has been replaced by electronic tithing and monthly checks.
All the same, the essence of both gatherings has parallels.
Whether a cleric, an usher, the musical talent, or some other formal member of the service; the office staff, a volunteer, or the after-service coffee-and-cake crew; or simply a congregant—each contributes to creating that sense of kinship, of belonging, of family, of community, of celebration!
‘Tis THE Season of Giving!
In many parts of the world, November through December is the holiday season. Most of us know that these two months are critical to retailers—whether brick-and-mortar or virtual; mom-and-pop or multinational.
What many people may not know is that these two months are also critical for nonprofits and their continued ability to serve our communities.
We will talk about the many ways to support worthwhile organizations year-round on this site. But, in this season of giving, we cannot overstate the funds necessary to operate the good work done by these groups. It is the foundation for the work they do on behalf of all of us.
With that holiday table in mind comes the realization that an unacceptable number of families do not have enough food. They can’t fill that table during the holiday season or, for that matter, throughout the year.
Make a Commitment to Help
Let’s commit to supporting local, national, and international organizations that help put feed folks who might not otherwise eat with a financial donation this season.
Two organizations here in the United States who strive to end hunger nationally and through their state and local affiliates are No Kid Hungry (part of Share Our Strength) and Feeding America. Donate to them directly or to the local organizations and food banks in their network and in your community.
Chef José Andrés and World Central Kitchen provide meals in the U.S. and around the world in response to crises. Chefs feeding people in their time of need truly resonates for me! You’ll be reading about these professionals and their own nonprofit work regularly on this site.
All these organizations are highly rated by Charity Navigator which is itself a nonprofit which can use our support.
The Reason for the Season
No, this isn’t Sunday service or our holiday dinner.
But indulge me in this season of giving as I pass the plate.
Consider donating whatever you can to put food on someone’s table. Join me! Help spread that sense of kinship, of belonging, of family, of community, of celebration!
Whatever holidays you and yours celebrate, I wish you the spirit of the season every day of the year!
How About YOU!
Have a personal connection to a nonprofit? Is there a story you want to share about an organization that made a difference in your life?
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