Basket Brigade

Hello My Dear Friends,

As we approach the holiday season, I am reaching out with heartfelt sincerity on

behalf of Filipino Scene - Arizona, a passionate community organization dedicated

to making a real difference in the lives of families in need.

In the spirit of giving, our annual Basket Brigade initiative embodies the warmth

and abundance of Thanksgiving for those less fortunate. Your support, no matter

the size, has an immeasurable impact.

Just $45 can provide a nourishing Thanksgiving meal for a family of 6-8. These

are not just meals; they are moments of joy, unity, and gratitude. Yes for $45, a

family of six will receive a 10-12 lb. turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn,

green beans, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, cranberry sauce, a pumpkin pie,

fresh rolls, and butter. I tried to include each of these on the image above.

These meals, assembled and anonymously hand-delivered by our volunteers

on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Each basket comes with a heartfelt,

anonymous letter that reads: "This comes to you from someone who cares

about you. All we ask is that you take care of yourself well enough to be able

to do this for someone else one day."

In these challenging times, the need is more pressing than ever. Imagine a family,

eagerly anticipating a hearty meal on Thanksgiving, thanks to your generosity.

Since 2018, we've partnered with organizations to identify deserving families,

ensuring they receive these blessings. The smiles on their faces, made possible

by your kindness, are beyond words.

Our commitment runs deep. We believe in transparency, ensuring that every

penny raised directly benefits families. For $45, a family receives a complete

Thanksgiving meal, bringing them the comfort of a traditional feast. These

meals, assembled and anonymously hand-delivered by our volunteers, not

only fill stomachs but warm hearts.

This Thanksgiving, you can create unforgettable moments for families in our

community.

Please consider visiting the Filipino Scene - Arizona Basket Brigade’s website.

Your donation, no matter how modest, helps feed a family. You can also volunteer

to deliver and assemble these heartwarming baskets, amplifying the impact of

your kindness.

Let's make this season truly special. Your contribution will not only fill stomachs

but also nourish spirits. Thank you for considering our cause. May your season

be brimming with the joy of giving, the power of kindness, and the spirit of

community.

With gratitude,

David Walter

Founder, Filipino Scene - Arizona

Email: BasketBrigade@filipinosceneaz.com

Phone: 480-331-3604

PS: Make a difference today! Enter your email below for more information on how

you can join us next year. Together, we can create a brighter, warmer future for

everyone.

Before I end here let me tell you about the Garcia family from last year. They had

fallen on hard times, struggling to make ends meet after Mr. Garcia lost his job

due to the pandemic. Thanksgiving was a distant dream as they worried about

putting food on the table, let alone having a festive meal.

One chilly Tuesday night, just days before Thanksgiving, there was a knock on

the Garcia's door. When Mrs. Garcia opened it, she was greeted by Lucy and I.

We were holding a beautifully assembled basket filled with all the ingredients

for a traditional Thanksgiving feast. The sight of the baskets brought tears to

her eyes, for she hadn't expected such kindness.

As we handed over the basket, Mrs. Garcia noticed the love and care put

into each item. There was a gleaming turkey, fresh vegies, corn, green beans,

mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, a pumpkin pie, and all

of this topped with a heartfelt, anonymous letter.

I can still see her as she opened the envelope. Then she read the letter out

loud to her family. Tears welling up in her eyes. It said, "This comes to you from

someone who cares about you. All we ask is that you take care of yourself well

enough to be able to do this for someone else one day."

At that moment, the weight of their worries about a Thanksgiving meal were

lifted, replaced by gratitude and hope. The Garcias couldn't believe that strangers

could be so kind, offering them not just a meal but a reminder of the goodness

in the world.

Their faces lit up with sheer joy, and they shared a group hug, overwhelmed by

the unexpected blessing. Mrs. Garcia whispered, "We will never forget this. We

promise to pay it forward someday."

The Basket Brigade didn't just deliver food; they delivered a profound moment

of connection and humanity. The Garcia family's Thanksgiving became more

than just a meal; it became a symbol of the community's support, leaving them

with a newfound faith in the kindness of others and a determination to spread

that kindness in their own way.

There are many ways that you can help. You can donate to feed a family, volunteer

to assist in assembling these heartwarming baskets or you can help deliver them.

Your contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a real impact on families like

the Garcia’s. May your season be filled with the joy of giving, kindness and the spirit

of the community.