For communities across Southern Indiana, Thanksgiving is a time to come together and acknowledge all the blessings we have in our lives. For many, it is a day of food, family and in my house, some football or deer hunting. We must also remember that there are those in our area who are less fortunate, and this time of year presents an opportunity to give thanks by giving back.
Coming together over a home-cooked meal is a tradition for families, friends and neighbors. For those who don’t have the means, they often rely on food pantries during the holiday season. From Huntingburg to Tell City, and in several other cities and towns across the district, there are food pantries and hot meal services that are always accepting donations and volunteers. The list of these providers in Indiana can be found by visiting www.foodpantries.org/st/indiana and clicking on the city nearest you. Churches and other service organizations are great places to give back and usually have ways to donate your time, talent or treasure. I would encourage you to consider volunteering or donating to a food pantry in our area. If you feel comfortable in doing so, consider inviting someone from your neighborhood or church to your family table who would otherwise be alone on Thursday. All of this can make a difference for someone in our local community and help make the holidays more enjoyable and rewarding.
Thanksgiving allows us to reflect on the past year and ask ourselves, “What am I thankful for?” For me, it starts with my family. My wife and sons provide me all the love, laughs and joy I could ever need; I am a lucky husband and father. Great friends, old and new, are also a big part of my life and I am grateful for them each and every day. I am also thankful to be the voice for Hoosiers in Southern Indiana at the Statehouse. Being entrusted to represent the values we hold so dearly is not something I take lightly and I appreciate the encouragement I receive to do the job to the best of my ability.
May God bless you and your loved ones this Thanksgiving as we come together to give thanks, and give back.
Please contact me with any questions or input at 317-232-9793 or by email at h74@iga.in.gov. Learn more about the work being done at the Statehouse by signing up to receive my email updates at www.in.gov/h74.
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State Rep. Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth) represents portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
A high-resolution photo of Arnold can be downloaded by clicking here.
