"It seems Thanksgiving Day is upon us"

Sally Brown: "I haven't even finished eating all of my Halloween candy!"
The thing about the holidays, is that they often come with a fantastic Charlie Brown film complete with growing up and learning lessons with your dog and friends by your side. Of them all, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving is certainly one that should not be missed.

The other day, I was bustling among the inevitably packed Park Street T-station (Boston subway) when I noticed an elderly man helping a young mother carry her stroller down a flight of stairs. I looked around at all the suits bumping into each other, without taking a second to notice what was happening around them. The man was hardly fit enough to be walking down stairs, let alone carrying a stroller with an 18-month-old baby inside, but the mother had her hands full as well. By the time I had maneuvered my way through the crowd to help, they had reached the bottom and the grateful mother went in the other direction. I followed the elderly couple onto our Riverside-bound train, and overheard the man's admiring wife say, "you're a good man Charlie Brown."

I couldn't help but think, especially in the spirit of Thanksgiving, how important it is to lend a helping hand for those in need. The majority of people, including myself, get so caught up with our daily distractions that we neglect to realize the exhausted woman standing on the bus that could use our seat, or the homeless man who would appreciate that morning latte much more than we would,  or that our Grandmother probably needs a quick "hello" and "I miss you" from someone. Acts of selfless kindness are necessary to keep an order of give and take, good and bad, progression and regression in the movement of everyday. Life is a cycle and we are all here to participate.

[david.malcolmson]

[markus.hartel]

Thanksgiving is more than giving thanks. Give what you can, whenever you can. Be grateful when your life slows down and allow yourself to look around at others. What can you do for them?

Ways to Give Back in Boston & Beyond!
Volunteer Boston
Boston Cares
Best Buddies
Strong Women, Strong Girls
Habitat for Humanity
Common Ground Relief (New Orleans)
Project Bread
Rosie's Place
Animal Rescue League (various locations, just search!)
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
RESPOND
Hub on Wheels
AIDS Action Committee
Room to Grow
Find your local food bank or soup kitchen and donate time, food, or living essentials.