It’s just a few hours away from Thanksgiving, and my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. Reflecting on this year, I realize how fortunate I am to have experienced countless moments of connection, kindness, and growth. This Thanksgiving season, one project stands out as a testament to the power of community and the impact of small acts of generosity. Let me share the journey behind our Thanksgiving meal service project—a story filled with love, teamwork, and heartfelt lessons.
At the start of November, my dear senior friend Kevin stopped by Namaste Brows and Boutique in the early afternoon. He had just returned from the grocery store and greeted me warmly, calling me the “Queen of Roseville.” I laughed and asked, “What do you need, Kevin?”
He hesitated, then said he would only ask for something if I promised not to spend my own money. Intrigued, I insisted he tell me. Lowering his voice, Kevin asked if I could help him find a 12-pound turkey for Thanksgiving. Without a second thought, I replied, “I got you.” But Kevin reminded me of my promise: I couldn’t use my own funds.
Kevin explained that he wanted to cook a Thanksgiving meal for four of his neighbors who couldn’t cook for themselves and didn’t have family visiting for the holiday. His thoughtfulness deeply moved me, and I immediately started brainstorming ways to make his request a reality.
I turned to Google, searching for organizations offering Thanksgiving meals, but I couldn’t find anything available for this year. Even Union Gospel Mission had reached capacity for their meal service. Feeling a little nervous, I called my trusted service partner, Kathy Ramundt, to share Kevin’s story and ask for her help. True to her generous nature, Kathy immediately said, “Let’s make it happen.”
With Kathy’s support, I felt confident. But a few days later, Kevin reached out again, saying he had spoken to other seniors in his building and discovered four more households in need. Altogether, they represented over 26 individuals who wouldn’t have food for Thanksgiving.
Suddenly, I needed not one, but five turkeys. My initial confidence wavered. Could I really make this happen?
The next morning, as I dropped off my four-year-old at preschool, I ran into my friend Sarah. I shared my dilemma with her, explaining how I had promised Kevin that I would secure the turkeys but now needed five instead of one. Sarah listened intently, then turned to me with determination in her eyes.“Let me take care of it,” she said. On the spot, Sarah called her husband, who owns Hope Breakfast in St. Paul. Within minutes, she secured all five turkeys along with bags of fresh vegetables for each household. I was speechless. Her generosity and her husband’s commitment to serving the community were beyond anything I had imagined.
With the turkeys secured, I called Kathy to share the good news. Together, we decided to go above and beyond by purchasing additional groceries to complete the Thanksgiving meals. On November 26th, the day of the delivery, Kathy and I met at a local grocery store to shop for everything from mashed potato ingredients to pies and cranberry sauce. Shopping for others brought us so much joy, and I could see Kathy feeling the same.
As we were finishing our shopping, Sarah called to say she was on her way to deliver the turkeys and vegetable bags. When we met, we embraced with tears in our eyes. She reminded me to call her for my next project, saying, “I’m always here to help.”
One special request stood out during this project. A senior had recently visited Namaste Brows and Boutique, asking if I was providing food to the residents in her building. She explained that she could only eat organic food due to allergies. When I asked what she needed most, her answer surprised me: organic bananas. Her simple request humbled me. It reminded me that sometimes, it’s the smallest things that hold the greatest value. Of course, we made sure to include a dozen organic bananas for her in the delivery.
When Kathy and I arrived at the senior building, the residents were eagerly waiting for us. Their smiles lit up the room, and the atmosphere was filled with gratitude. Before distributing the food, I asked if I could pray with them. They agreed, and I shared my heartfelt thanks for their trust and for Kevin’s vulnerability in sharing their needs with me. I also gently reminded them of an important truth: “There are people who love you and want to help you, but it starts with loving one another in your community.”
As I saw the joy on their faces, I felt a profound sense of purpose. This project wasn’t just about delivering food—it was about delivering hope and showing these seniors that they are seen, valued, and loved.
Reflecting on this journey, I am deeply moved by the people who made it possible. Kevin’s trust, Sarah’s quick action, Kathy’s unwavering dedication—even on one of the hardest days of her life—and the many small acts of kindness along the way remind me of the beauty of community.
This Thanksgiving, I am not only grateful for the opportunity to serve but also for the lessons learned. This project reinforced my belief that together, we can create incredible change, one small act at a time.
As I close this chapter, I look forward to our next community initiative: holiday gifts and dinner for 127 seniors on December 18th. We are collecting donations until December 10th, and I invite you to join us in spreading love and joy this holiday season. If you’d like to contribute, please contact me at 651-529-5080 or email namastebrowsandboutique@gmail.com.
To all my customers at Namaste Brows and Boutique and everyone who supports my projects, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your belief in me fuels my passion to serve and make a difference. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!
With love and gratitude,
Jeena Gurung Vomhof
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