Every year around this time, I sit down and write out what I am thankful for. It has become a bit of an annual tradition, and as long as you folks are interested in reading it, I will keep writing it. Taking a moment to reflect on what matters most has become something I look forward to each Thanksgiving.
This past year has not been easy for many families across East Alabama and West Georgia. The government shutdown and loss of SNAP benefits highlighted just how many of our neighbors are quietly struggling with food insecurity. It could have turned into political blame and finger pointing. But that is not who we are. Instead, our community did what it does best. People reached out a helping hand.
Neighbors donated food without expecting anything in return. Volunteers showed up to sort, pack, and distribute meals. Local churches organized drives, checked on families, and stepped in where the need was greatest. Our food banks took on more than ever and still found a way to meet families where they were. Businesses gave their time, resources, and financial support. Students and residents participated in the Beat Bama Beat Auburn Food Drive, which continues to be one of the most inspiring examples of what this region can accomplish when we come together.
And even those who could not give financially still gave what they could. They shared low-cost recipes, passed along resources, and reminded others that community is built on compassion and small acts of kindness.
If you spend enough time on Facebook, especially in the comments of certain click bait posts, you might walk away thinking everyone in this community is angry or divided. But if you look past the handful of posts that gather hundreds of comments and take a real look at the ones that don’t go viral, you will see the truth. There were far more examples of people quietly rolling up their sleeves and helping their neighbors than there ever were of people yelling online. The loudest voices are rarely the ones doing the work. The real stories happened in church parking lots, food banks, school hallways, and family kitchens.
None of these acts of service were made for show. None were done for attention. They were carried out by people who care about their community and each other. It was Chambers County. It was Lee County. It was Troup County. It was Valley, Lanett, Opelika, Auburn, Smiths Station, West Point and every community in between. It was exactly the type of people I grew up with, and the type of people I am proud to stand beside today.
That is what I am thankful for this year. I am thankful for our community that stepped up without hesitation. I am thankful for people who choose unity and service over division. I am thankful for the spirit of giving that shows up long before the holidays and continues long after.
As we move into the Christmas season, I encourage everyone to continue supporting the organizations that make such a difference in our area. If you are looking for ways to help, here are a few opportunities:
Local Ways to Volunteer or Donate This Holiday Season
Food Bank of East Alabama
Donate or sign up to volunteer at: https://foodbankofeastalabama.com/volunteer/
Christian Service Center
Donate or sign up to give help at: https://www.csclanett.org/givehelp
Beat Bama Beat Auburn Food Drive
Learn more or contribute: https://www.beatbamafooddrive.com/
BigHouse Foundation
Supports foster families and children, including urgent needs during the holidays: https://bighousefoundation.org
Storybook Farm
Volunteer opportunities and program support: https://www.hopeonhorseback.org
Salvation Army of Lee County
Volunteer for holiday programs or donate: https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/lee-county/
Local Churches and Community Centers
Many are organizing Christmas food drives, toy drives, and holiday assistance programs.
Check with Auburn United Methodist Church, First Baptist Opelika, Church of the Highlands, First Baptist Valley, Lanett United Methodist, and other local congregations.
This holiday season, let’s continue to lift our neighbors. Let’s keep watching out for each other. And let us never forget how strong we are when we stand together.
From my family and our team at Walton Law Firm, I wish you all a safe, peaceful, and joyful Thanksgiving.
Your Friend,
Trip Walton
