Thank you, Arvada! With your help, every person who came to Arvada Community Food Bank during our Thanksgiving distribution received all the fixings for a good dinner. Over the five days before Thanksgiving, we provided food to 4,491 individuals, shattering all previous distribution records.

The first day, there was a line all the way around the Food Bank in which folks waited for up to three hours. By the time frigid temperatures settled in, the majority of folks had been served - fortunate, as many do not have coats to wear.

While it is sad the need has risen so dramatically, it is heartening to know our community not only cares, but acts on that caring.

Every day, generous neighbors, churches, associates and businesses arrived at our back door with a turkey, a carload of food, a check or a willingness to help with their time. Additional food was purchased to meet the mounting need and new volunteers fell right into the routine alongside long-time ones, helping our clients with friendliness, compassion and respect.

My Thanksgiving wish of a place for everyone at the table came true - because of our wonderful, generous community. I'm so glad Arvada is "my hub" and home.

Kathy Underhill

Arvada Community Food Bank executive director