Happy Thanksgiving!

Contemporary Thanksgiving centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends. Turkey, a Thanksgiving staple so ubiquitous it has become all but synonymous with the holiday, may or may not have been on offer when the Pilgrims hosted the inaugural feast in 1621. It is likely that the majority of our club members will be cooking or dining on turkey this Thanksgiving or a "Friendsgiving".  Some may enjoy Thanksgiving parades, Fun Runs to burn off some calories in anticipation of the grand feast, and football games.  If you find yourself in another country where Thanksgiving is not a typical celebration, a feast can often be had in some hotels who cater to Americans abroad.  

Today, however, nearly 90 percent of Americans eat the bird—whether roasted, baked or deep-fried—on Thanksgiving, according to the National Turkey Federation. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. Volunteering is a common Thanksgiving Day activity, and communities often hold food drives and host free dinners for the less fortunate.

The Rotary Club of Greater Houston Veterans has organized a huge project to give away turkeys to families.

 As part of Operation Turkey, the event has been in Houston for 10 years. The event has been growing each year. 

In 2017, 4,500 meals were delivered and in 2020 8,000 were delivered. Despite the pandemic, the team plans to provide 10,000 meals to deserving Houstonians. Volunteers helped cook, prep and deliver the meals.  

As you give thanks this year for family and friends, hopefully good health, business opportunities and more, remember to give thanks for our Rotary family and the opportunities to serve those in need.