As Thanksgiving approaches, we are reminded on a daily basis to be thankful for the things around us. Since the very first Thanksgiving in 1621 by English Colonists and Wampanoag, the tradition of gathering together to enjoy the fruits of labor from the hard work that goes into everything that will be placed onto the table continues with different motives but the same end result. Spending time with loved ones, giving thanks, and eating delicious food. 

This Thanksgiving looks a little different and the contrast between wealth classes is highlighted due to the recent government crisis. Many can’t afford the food they were once able to with the food stamps provided by the government. Some organizations gather together to try and help the weight of these burdens off some of the families by giving out bags of food for Thanksgiving. Some of these organizations include non-profits like Feeding America, The Midnight Mission, and local food banks. 

 Some families even volunteered their own money and time in order to make small baskets including everything needed to make a small, yet hearty, Thanksgiving meal. This encapsulated the Thanksgiving spirit of both giving and being thankful.

Although, at its essence, Thanksgiving stays the same, students at Mark Keppel celebrate differently. 

Beverly Alexandra, a senior at Keppel, shared, “I’m going to help my mom make some thanksgiving food and then have it for dinner.

 Juelyanne Noreen Leyran, a senior at Keppel, said, “In the morning I run errands with my mom to prepare for our thanksgiving celebration dinner. My extended family came over to my house… and then we all ate together.”