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Dear Friend,
Welcome to a special Thanksgiving edition of Let Me Be Blunt. I’ve spent the last several days travelling up and down our state to see the amazing work happening in our communities. From serving meals to families in need to visiting the local businesses that keep our tables full, this week was a powerful reminder that Delaware really is a state of neighbors.
Our country has been through so much this past year. But we’ve made it together, and I’m so thankful to be here with you. As we head into the holiday, I’m wishing you a day filled with gratitude, good company, and delicious food. For my family, I’ll be continuing my grandmother’s tradition and cooking the turkey!
ABOVE: Wishing everyone in Delaware and beyond a very happy Thanksgiving!
We Stand 4 Something
Last Friday, I was thrilled to attend the We Stand 4 Something Thanksgiving Feast in Harrington. This amazing event, which took place for the first time since the pandemic, is meant to combat feelings of isolation among Delawareans with disabilities around the holidays. Hosted by the inspiring Emmanuel Jenkins, it filled my heart with so much joy and my stomach with some amazing food.
ABOVE: Thank you, Emmanuel, for bringing us all together!
Our Daily Bread
On Monday, I visited Our Daily Bread (ODB) in Middletown. Staffed by an outstanding group of more than 300 volunteers, ODB is the only regular source of free hot meals in southern New Castle County. Last year, they served over 48,000 meals – an average of more than 4,000 per month. They told me they’re set to break 50,000 meals this year, their highest total ever!
To make sure all those meals get to folks in need, the team at ODB works tirelessly behind the scenes – from their “food rescue” efforts that collect leftovers from local restaurants, to preparing to-go meals that can be picked up outside, to cooking dishes served in their dining room. While I was there, I was happy to put on a hair net and apron to lend a hand to these outstanding community servants.
ABOVE: I was happy to lend a hand in Our Daily Bread’s kitchen.
ABOVE: The folks at Our Daily Bread represent the best of our state of neighbors.
The Ministry of Caring’s Annual Turkeython
On Tuesday, I was proud to take part in the Ministry of Caring’s Annual Turkeython in Wilmington. Thanks to the partnership between the Ministry, New Castle County Department of Public Safety, and Chris Leonard (formerly of WJBR), this event provides local families with a Thanksgiving dinner package of turkey, vegetables, and more. This year, 200 people picked up meals.
While I was there at Emmanuel Dining Room, I kept thinking back to Scripture: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in…” The Ministry of Caring exhibits this ideal year-round. They have 19 programs in 29 local buildings, fed over 151,000 meals last year, and shelter 400 people every night (from the ages of 3 months to 92 years). May we all take that example, lift up our neighbors, and give back to our community this Thanksgiving season.
ABOVE: This team is doing an amazing service for folks in need ahead of Thanksgiving.
ABOVE: I was privileged to help give out Thanksgiving meals at Emmanuel Dining Room this Tuesday.
Our Essential Grocery Stores
There are few places more important during the holiday season than our local grocery stores. With this year seeing the largest cuts to SNAP in the program’s history, even more families are struggling to put food on the table.
That’s why I visited the ShopRite of Christina Crossing in Wilmington on Tuesday – to thank their dedicated leadership and staff for the vital role they play in our community. I was also glad to see their new mural that honors Wilmington’s diversity, beauty, and vibrant culture!
ABOVE: Especially as we enter the holiday season, I was glad to give thanks to the folks who keep our community fed.
In last week’s newsletter, I asked you to share what you’re thankful for. Here’s what some of our fellow Delawareans said:
Brianna in Milton: “I'm thankful for my family--my husband and three beautiful kids. I'm thankful we have a roof over our heads and food on our table and a car to get us around…"
Debra in Millsboro: “I'm thankful for my family and for God waking me up each and every day, also my amazing friends.”
Cindy in Stanton: “I am thankful for family and friends who support me while on dialysis…”
If you would still like to share what you’re thankful for, please do so by CLICKING HERE.
Below are some helpful resources for you:
- Lower Energy Costs: You can lower your energy costs thanks to tax credits and rebates made available by the Inflation Reduction Act. Learn more at energy.gov/save.
- Look Before You Book: Before you book your next international trip, make sure your passport is up to date! Visit travel.state.gov to check your passport expiration date, apply for a new passport, and more.
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Before you go overseas, consider downloading STEP, a free service that will send you safety and security alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Travel with peace of mind and enroll today at mytravel.state.gov/s/step.
- 988 National Suicide Prevention Helpline: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org, the 24/7, free, and confidential support National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
- Delaware 211: Delawareans in need of emergency housing, utility assistance, food assistance, and more should call 211, Delaware’s free, confidential resource hotline.
- U.S. Department of State’s Exchange Programs: The State Department sponsors several programs worldwide that offer Americans educational, cultural, and professional experiences. Find out more at exchanges.state.gov/us.
- Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: Medicare Part D beneficiaries can spread out the cost of prescription drugs over the course of a year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. Payment plans have zero-interest installments and a $2,000 annual out-of-pocket cap. Learn more at medicare.gov/prescription-payment-plan.
My team and I are incredibly grateful that so many Delawareans read Let Me Be Blunt every week. As we look toward the new year, we are interested in hearing your feedback! If you have a moment, please answer the questions below to help us shape this newsletter going forward:
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