It’s early November— the leaves are changing, the temperatures are dropping, and we’re getting closer to the wonderous smells wafting from the kitchen filling up the home. Can you smell the spices of the pumpkin pie cooling on the counter? Do you smell the juicy turkey? Can you smell the cinnamon of the apple pies? The Rotary Club of Albuquerque del Norte can smell them all!
A Little Background
Since 2017, the club has been donating baskets full of ingredients for Saranam families to make some of the Thanksgiving favorites. Over the years the organizing committee refined their plans and found their rhythm. “I start planning and shopping in October for the November basket deliveries,” said Monica Padilla, who has helped from the beginning. The committee and club’s dedication to making an impact is astounding and full of neighborly kindness. This year they will be donating and delivering 35 baskets to our families at both campuses.
This tradition is more than the ingredients; it also includes a hand-on tutorial about cooking ideas and nutrition. For first time cooks in the home, teaching these life skills is very helpful and eases the anxiety of cooking a big bird and a big meal. After the class learns and prepares the dishes and turkey, they eat in community to made memories as a cohort. The last few years, this cooking class has been led by a volunteer at our Weil Family Center at the FTA Campus. The cohorts continue the tradition of eating together and have invited Saranam staff to the table.
A Club Tradition
This has become an annual event for the club members. A few days before the scheduled basket distribution, around 20 members meet to pack up the laundry baskets in an assembly line fashion. “Who doesn’t need another laundry basket,” said Monica. The generously filled baskets include a turkey, ham, onions, butter, potatoes, salt & pepper, celery, cranberries, and a pumpkin pie. And to top it all off, whipped cream! Other items included are aluminum foil, Ziplock bags, and disposable pans for easy clean up. They truly think of everything. After the baskets are assembled the club members celebrate another abundant year of giving and eat a potluck dinner together to enjoy each other’s company.
Another club member, Marty Padilla, started a fun tradition to help raise money for the long shopping lists. Each year he dresses up in a blow-up costume for a good laugh and “a good cause”, he said. The first year he was a ballerina. Other years he was a duck, a zebra, and this year he’ll be…a cowboy riding a rooster! After his performance of silliness and laughs, members donate and pledge to purchase food or an entire basket. “Making people laugh helps make people comfortable to open their wallets a little more,” said Marty Padilla.
Greater Impact
The impact these baskets have on our Saranam community is great. Club members have families themselves and understand Saranam’s long-term goals. The baskets are not a handout, and so much more than a plastic gift card. These baskets offer a meal (or more, considering the leftovers), teach new life skills, and make family memories to cherish for years to come.
“Seeing multiple families commune together is heartwarming. This is not just food on a tray, but helping more ways than one,” said Monica Padilla. “Each year, we have felt gratitude and appreciation from all the families. They show the sincerest gratitude with hugs and ‘thank yous’. Last year, a family with three little children were so excited! The children were so cute and helped by pulling the full wagon. One child happily carried the pie back to the house.”
Gratitude and More
We asked Monica and Marty what the Rotary Club of Albuquerque del Norte Club is thankful for this season. “That, here in Albuquerque, the club is still able to give to many organizations around town. After the pandemic, many clubs declined in numbers. Our club has had 88-90 members for over 30 years. Members are very generous when it comes to feeding families”, said Monica and Marty.
Saranam and our families are grateful for this partnership and the bountiful baskets. This is a marvelous example of how two communities with strong missions help each other to grow, learn, and make beloved memories. Our families learn new skills and make holiday memories together in the kitchen and around the table. Club members are committed to helping make an impact on families in Albuquerque. They also enjoy Marty’s fun costumes and assembling baskets in community!
At Saranam, we are thankful to many volunteers and groups who help us make the holidays special for our families. We can’t say thank you enough. We can tell you that each individual person makes a difference. The Saranam families and staff feel the support and strength which helps us all continue to transform families’ lives and future generations.