November Mission: Thanksgiving Cards for Farmers and Food Providers

For our November mission, Letters with Love focused on expressing gratitude to the people who keep our community nourished every single day. As the season of Thanksgiving arrived, we wanted to shine a light on two groups who often work quietly in the background: local farmers and the dedicated staff and volunteers at soup kitchens and food pantries. These individuals ensure that families across our region have access to fresh, healthy food, whether it’s grown in the fields or served with care to those who need it most.

From November 1st to 24th, our participants created 91 Thanksgiving-themed cards filled with messages of appreciation, warm wishes, and encouragement. Forty-eight volunteers took part in this mission, each contributing their time and creativity to remind others that their work matters and does not go unnoticed.

The cards were delivered to several partners across New Jersey and New York, including AMBA’s Farm in Wyckoff, Demarest Farms in Hillsdale, Meals on Wheels in Nanuet, People to People in Nanuet, and the Catholic Charities food pantry in Haverstraw. Each location plays an essential role in addressing food insecurity and supporting the well-being of vulnerable community members. By reaching both the providers and the growers, this mission celebrated every step it takes to bring nutritious food to a family’s table.

We chose this mission because Thanksgiving is a time centered around food, tradition, and gratitude. Behind every holiday meal are the hands that planted, harvested, packed, cooked, and served. Farmers work long, demanding hours to provide fresh produce, often without recognition. Soup kitchen staff and food pantry volunteers serve as a lifeline for those facing hardship, making sure no one is forgotten during the holiday season. Our cards were a way to honor that effort and remind these hardworking individuals that they are appreciated deeply.

This mission highlighted the heart of our organization: bringing kindness to those who uplift our communities. As we reflect on November, we are proud of the compassion shown by our participants and grateful for the opportunity to spread warmth during this season of thanks.