Orting Christmas Family

The holidays always remind us of everything that we should be thankful for….not that we aren’t thankful for everything that we have each day, but we just seem to be more conscious of it around this time of year. Now, I am not saying you have to go out and make some grand gesture every single day or donate richly to multiple charities numerous times a year. Being thankful starts at home or right in your community. I know, personally, I am so thankful for my wonderful career in real estate, the wonderful John L Scott – Orting office that I get to be a part of everyday, my family, my friends, my coworkers and my health. I know that not everyone is as fortunate as I am at this point in my life. Sometimes life deals us a hand that just plain ole’ stinks. This time of year reminds me that I have not always had a perfect life. I have had my fair share of ups and downs. I am so thankful to know that I can help someone that might just need a bit of a “pick me up” and maybe, just maybe the small gesture that I make will give them that little extra help that gets their life and faith back on track.

The John L Scott – Orting office and its agents adopt a local Orting family each year for Thanksgiving and Christmas that are a little down on their luck. The office comes together to make sure that the family gets to have a Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings. We then set up a giving tree in our office with items that are WANTS and NEEDS for the children AND the parents. It is always very humbling to me when we ask the parents what their wants and needs are and they are very apprehensive to give us a list. They are just so appreciative that their children are going to have a Christmas that is amazing. They are so thankful that there are people that want to help. We also take donations to make sure that they get to have a Christmas dinner as well.

The Orting Food Bank is amazing at getting a list compiled each year of the families in need and getting the word out to the community to make sure that everyone gets some holiday cheer. This time of year the food bank can always use extra donations of warm blankets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves and jackets. Food items for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are always appreciated. I have gathered a list of items that the food bank can use on an EVERYDAY basis:
• Canned fruit & vegetables
• Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, etc.)
• Jelly
• Peanut Butter
• Boxed meals (hamburger helper, tuna helper, etc.)
• Pasta
• Pasta sauces
• Personal care items (toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, feminine care products, etc.)
• Baby items (diapers, wipes, formula, baby food, etc.)
• A good note to remember is if you are using it on a daily basis they probably need it at the food bank.
Monetary donations are always accepted. For every $1 that you donate the food bank can provide $5 of distributed food.
You can contact the Orting Food Bank @ 360-893-0095 or ortingfoodbank@yahoo.com

So as you can see, being thankful and giving doesn’t have to be only at certain times of the year or cost you an arm and a leg. It can be an extra few dollars at the grocery store, a few hours of your time to volunteer or even one less cup of coffee and give that money to the charity of your choice.
However you chose to be thankful this year and to show your appreciation just remember that your small act of kindness may just be what helps give someone that extra boost that they may need to get them back on track.

Warmest regards to you and yours this holiday season!

Michelle McDonald