It was a sunny yet cold Saturday morning when we pulled out of the 123-unit subsidized housing complex in my community. I paused for a moment to ask my sons how they felt after delivering a turkey and a Thanksgiving meal to the family of strangers whom we had met just a few minutes earlier.
As I waited for an answer, I reflected on the fact that it had been a week full of contrasts for me – some highs and some perceived “lows.” I had been running hard at Zumasys, chasing numbers like we all do in one way, shape or form. This was the first Saturday in a long while that wasn’t packed with a youth sporting event or another extracurricular activity.
Before heading to the apartment complex, we picked up the basket and turkey at Church which had been coordinated by several families and Family Assistance Ministries (FAM). None us quite knew what to expect. When the door opened, we were greeted with five gigantic smiles. I tried to shake hands with Kristine even though she had just bear-hugged my wife and two boys. But it was clear that Kristine was not going to make an exception for this timid father. She was a single mother of four and a total stranger but oh-so confident.
Her English was limited but her kids quickly bridged the gap. We were invited into the living room, and the kids stood by as we chatted. They were all in their best clothes. We snapped a quick photo before Kristine’s oldest daughter darted out of the room.
The girl’s dress flowed in her wake as she ran back bearing a simple #10 envelope with a multicolored thank you on the outside. Then, just as quickly as it started, our visit was over. All four of us left the apartment quiet and subdued. The car was a different scene from the frenzy of our arrival. My son read the thank you note out loud, and we hung on every word.
“I feel like I am glowing inside,” my son said.
His response caught me off guard, as I realized that I was feeling the exact same sensation. Wow, does giving feel good!
“You know what?” I said to my son. “I do too. Giving is contagious.”
This Thanksgiving, I am feeling extra thankful for the many wonderful people in my life like you—the extended Zumasys network of friends, vendors, and customers. More than 220 of you donated to our Thanksgiving fundraiser, and together we raised $63,000, which was enough to provide Thanksgiving meals to 1500 families via the Second Harvest Food Bank.
On behalf of the entire Zumasys family, I want to thank you.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Paul Giobbi
President
P.S. You can still give to families in need this holiday season. Join us to spread some holiday cheer at www.zumasys.com/give.
Check out Paul’s Google+ Profile