10 Years of Giving: A Thanksgiving Tradition that Brings Hope to Families in Need

I joined Ashley’s event six years ago after my brother, Nathan Thomas—a local State Farm agent and the original funding source for the event—mentioned they needed help in the kitchen. Nathan’s partnership with Ashley started serendipitously. As Ashley explained, she had shared her vision with a friend who worked in Nathan’s office, and they encouraged her to meet him, knowing his heart for helping those in need. Since then, Nathan has not only continued to fund and serve at the event but has also supported Ashley’s family throughout the year.

This year marked a significant milestone as Paul Davis joined as a company partner, helping fund the food needed for the event. Our CEO, Rich Wilson, who shares a deep commitment to giving back, enthusiastically supported the effort, making the 2024 event possible. Moving into 2025, the hope is to expand support even further by funding a local chef to help prepare the 25+ turkeys and 10+ hams that Ashley’s father and husband have graciously cooked every year since the event began. With the event’s scale now larger than ever, additional help would be a tremendous relief.

What truly sets Ashley apart is her unwavering compassion. In the face of challenges, she continues to give selflessly, fueled by her deep understanding that any one of us could one day find ourselves in need. Ashley recognizes that none of us are immune to hardship—one unexpected event could change everything. It’s this understanding that inspires her and her team to keep moving forward. Over the years, this event has grown beyond just providing meals and gifts; it has become a true gathering of community—a place where volunteers and recipients come together to find connection, comfort, and hope.

When I asked Ashley what she’d say to someone inspired by her story, her response was simple yet powerful:

“If you want to give back, just do it! Ask for help. Don’t get discouraged when you encounter greed—because the truly needy are not at the front of the line. They’re at the back. You’ll be tired by the time you get to them, but when you hear a child tell you that this charity is the only reason they’ll have a real meal this week, all the fatigue will vanish, and you’ll know it’s worth it. Do all things in love, and love will provide what you need to give that love to others.”

Ashley’s words remind us that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. Her story is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and perseverance—and a challenge to us all to find ways to make a difference, no matter how big or small.
I encourage everyone to look for the “Ashleys” in your community—the unsung heroes who pour their hearts and souls into helping those in need. Many of them are doing incredible work with limited resources and could greatly benefit from more hands-on help and financial support. My time with God’s Open Arms of Love has filled me with deep gratitude—not just for the blessings in my own life, but for the opportunity to give back and make a difference.

Submitted by: Stephanie Rosenstone, chief of staff, Paul Davis.

We thank Stephanie for sharing her story with us. If you’d like to support God’s Open Arms of Love, you can join their Facebook group, where you can connect with Ashley and her team.

Finding ways to help smaller organizations in your own community starts with a bit of research and outreach. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Identify Local Needs
   Look around your community to identify areas of need, such as food insecurity, education, homelessness, or mental health support. Smaller organizations often focus on specific local issues that larger nonprofits may not address.
2. Do Your Research
   Use social media, local news outlets, community boards, and websites like VolunteerMatch or Nextdoor to discover smaller nonprofits, faith-based groups, or grassroots efforts making a difference in your area.
3. Reach Out Directly
   Contact the organization to learn about their mission, needs, and how you can help. Many smaller organizations don’t have the staff to organize large volunteer efforts, so even a single phone call or email can lead to meaningful opportunities.
4. Offer Time or Skills
   Volunteer your time to help with their day-to-day operations, events, or specific projects. If you have specialized skills like graphic design, marketing, fundraising, or bookkeeping, these can often be a huge help to smaller nonprofits.
5. Donate Resources
   Even if you can’t donate money, consider giving supplies or other resources they need. Ask if they need food, clothing, school supplies, or technology to support their efforts.
6. Help Spread the Word
   Use your social media platforms and networks to amplify their work. Sharing their mission and stories can bring in more supporters, volunteers, and donations.
7. Collaborate with Friends or Businesses
   Rally your friends, family, or colleagues to support these organizations through group volunteering, fundraisers, or donation drives. Local businesses might also be willing to sponsor their efforts or provide in-kind donations.
8. Attend Their Events
   Participating in fundraisers, awareness walks, or charity drives hosted by these organizations not only supports their efforts but helps you connect with others who share a passion for giving back.

By taking even small steps, you can play a big role in helping smaller organizations thrive and make a lasting impact in your community.