Tom Adams, Mike & Leona's son
I want my kids to understand, through tangible experiences, that life should be about giving as much as taking. Not just have a conversation where we talk about children who go without food or people who don’t have money to buy clothes or gas or groceries; but actually show them through hands-on approaches. Baby step one last night when we volunteered as a family at the 30th Annual Mike & Leona Adams Thanksgiving Dinner in Waterloo. The free event started in 1982 when the couple wanted to give back to the community. 30 years later the tradition continues after their passing.
Incredibly 750 people were served last night. We showed up with about 15 minutes left since I had to do the 6pm news and the dinner ended at 7. Charlotte was able to jump in the line and pass out butter packets. Dave & I walked around taking and tossing finished plates, wiping down tables and putting up chairs. Thomas pretty much drove us nuts but did eat a roll and some corn. His heart for serving will hopefully mature from here!
Posted under Baby Thomas: Month 53
This post was written by Tara on November 20, 2012
What a great way to teach your children the importance of giving/sharing. No better way that to show by example.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!!!
Giving to others is one of the best gifts you can give your children. It is best to start when they are young so it becomes a habit.
Good for you and Dave!
Probably best to start with a short shift. You can lengthen it each year as they get older. I would like to do this with my family sometime too but not sure how they’d feel about it.
Thanks for being there Tara; that is the spirit Mike & Leona started the meals with. Giving to others. My husband, the oldest Adams son said he saw you there.