Pig Lovers Blog

Collection Pig Replaces Collection Plate This Thanksgiving

Giant glass “Collection Pig”

Yes, Thanksgiving is a fine time to count your blessings, single out those you are thankful for, and stuff your face. But it can also be a prime time to help those less fortunate than  yourself.

So this year, as I play co-host to my very first Thanksgiving in our new home, I’m inviting a special guest to the table; a giant glass “Collection Pig” that my friend Danielle gave me many years ago. (I knew its purpose would eventually become clear to me!)

Between our afternoon feast and the post-Thanksgiving-meal party we have planned, our guests will have an opportunity to donate what they can to the Collection Pig.

All proceeds will go to two local organizations in NYC doing great work to assist victims of Hurricane Sandy;  Red Hook Initiative  and Reaching-Out Community Service.

Both organizations come highly recommended by my friend Ruby in Brooklyn who has been volunteering and raising $ on her own to help those impacted by Sandy. (You can read more about her efforts and how she raised thousands on her own from friends all over the world here.)

Here’s what Ruby had to say about these organizations:

Red Hook Initiative  and Reaching-Out Community Service are two organizations that I absolutely trust to do the right thing. They were already servicing the communities that were affected by Sandy so they know who needs what and are there for the duration!

So moving forward, here’s what I’m hoping will happen:

1. Our Collection Pig raises a decent amount of $ on Thanksgiving to help victims of Sandy;

2. That after reading this, you will choose a cause that speaks to you and do the same thing at your Thanksgiving feast. If you don’t have a giant glass pig, let your creative juices flow. It could be a collection ice-bucket, teapot, flower pot, etc.

3. That people reading this will share this idea with THEIR friends, because obviously, the more the merrier!

We may not be able to raise thousands like Ruby, but when lots of people give a little, great things can happen.

Thanksgiving in the US has long been associated with over-indulgence, but who says having a full stomach precludes you from having a full heart?

If you’d like to contribute to one of the organizations doing Sandy relief work, here are links to their online donation pages:

• Red Hook Initiative
• Reaching-Out Community Service

P.S. For Pig Lovers Eyes Only: (Since this is a Pig Lovers blog, I want to take a moment to address my fellow pig lovers): I love pigs in part because they are compassionate, smart, loyal creatures, like the piglet who instinctively dove in to save a stuck goat from drowning. That’s how pigs role. Let’s spring into action and help those who need us most. Happy Thanksgiving!