On a gloomy Thursday morning at the end of November, drizzle and wet leaves mixed together on the sidewalks and in the alley around Patchwork. The air was chilly and the dampness sank through outer layers of clothing.
Inside Patchwork, however, it was bright and warm. People walked around with bowls of turkey soup that Patty dished up in the kitchen alongside our regular Thursday volunteers. “I knew there was something I should do with all this turkey!” she explained when I told her that it was the perfect addition to the morning. People took turns playing the piano at the far end of the room—first David, one of our regular coffee drinkers, then Jeff, a bike shop volunteer who was also getting some coffee. Folks joked with us in the main office while they waited for their turn in the shower. Others arrived for the food pantry. A group of guests brought their dogs into the main room and arranged food and water bowls under a table before they arranged their own coffee and snacks on the table’s top. The space was full, but the mood was festive and upbeat.
The previous afternoon, the smell of baking cinnamon and sugar had filled the air as the children in Patchwork’s Arts & Smarts Program gathered for a sweet potato casserole. Jean had made it using bright purple sweet potatoes that the children had harvested from Patchwork’s own garden a week before.
The harvest day itself had been a joyous search for the hidden bounty. Bill led the group as they set to digging. The children soon learned that sweet potatoes usually grow in clusters, so when they discovered one potato, they knew they’d find the rest of its “family” nearby. Everyone delighted in the roly poly bugs they found among the potatoes and spent a good 10 minutes digging a three-foot trench to follow an alien root.
Throughout this two-week span of activity, the Arts & Smarts participants and staff recognized the things that they are thankful for by writing notes and attaching them to a pumpkin. Scribbled on these notes were things like, “My bed, food, and drinks,” “My loving support system,” “Toffee Chex mix,” “Everything I have,” “Seasons,” “That God loves everyone,” and “For this place and people.”
As I reflect on these festive scenes from around Patchwork, I realize that none of them embody the typical definition of “Holidays with the Family.” However, as a supporter of Patchwork, you know that “family” is the feeling you have when you’re here. I’m thankful for that.
I’m thankful that Patchwork Central continues to be here for this quirky extended family. I don’t take it for granted. I know that this family spirit only exists through work and with the help of contributions from many people like you. Please join me in helping it continue onward.