President Obama Makes Thanksgiving Proclamation.
(Excerpted)
"... We
also recognize the contributions of Native Americans, who helped the early colonists survive their first harsh winter and
continue to strengthen our Nation. From our earliest days of independence, and in times of tragedy and triumph, Americans
have together to celebrate Thanksgiving.
As Americans, we hail from every part of the world. While we observe
traditions from every culture, Thanksgiving Day is a unique national tradition we all share. Its spirit binds us together
as one people, each of us thankful for our common blessings.
As we gather once again among loved ones, let us also reach out to
our neighbors and fellow citizens in need of a helping hand. This is a time for us to renew our bonds with one another, and
we can fulfill that commitment by serving our communities and our Nation throughout the year. In doing so, we pay tribute
to our country's men and women in uniform who set an example of service that inspires us all. Let us be guided by the legacy
of those who have fought for the freedoms for which we give thanks, and be worthy heirs to the noble tradition of goodwill
shown on this day.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim
Thursday, November 26, 2009, as a National Day of Thanksgiving. I encourage all the people of the United States to come together,
whether in our homes, places of worship, community centers, or any place where family, friends and neighbors may gather, with
gratitude for all we have received in the past year; to express appreciation to those whose lives enrich our own; and to share
our bounty with others."
_______________________
Help For Those Who Face Addiction During the Holidays
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) launches awareness campaign asking
families, friends and communities to offer support and encouragement to those in recovery.
The holiday season,
a time of joy and celebration, also poses daunting challenges for over 10 million Americans in recovery from addiction. As the season
begins, the White House Office of National
Drug Control Policy is launching an awareness campaign asking families,
friends and communities to offer support and encouragement to those in recovery.
In 2008, an estimated 23.1 million people
age 12 and older were in need of treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem. Of those people, 2.3 million received treatment
at a specialty facility. Experts believe that the holiday period often brings special stresses to bear on recovering people that can trigger relapse.
At holiday parties and celebrations, often there is substantial substance
use and abuse, with accompanying social pressure
to join in, he said.
“That’s tough: you have all the cues there, the substance is
accessible, and its
use is encouraged,” said Dr. McLellan. “It’s a triple threat for someone trying to sustain a recovery.”
Also, many people feel lonely and depressed around the holidays, often more than at other times of the year, Dr. McLellan said. Holiday reunions of family
and friends often bring the joys of
love and companionship, but can also
create stress
and tension for some people.
“Substance abuse affects
millions of Americans, their families and their communities, at all levels of our society,” said
ONDCP Director Gil Kerlikowske.
If you, or someone you know suffers during
the Holiday season, please visit
Recovery Resources (facesandvoicesofrecovery), or call SAMSHA , the 24-hour toll-free Treatment and Referral Helpline
at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Related
Info
Thanksgiving packages to be given out at Fed Ex Field through PG County Social Services on Tuesday 11/24/09.
Volunteer/Donate This Holiday Season
Volunteers and Food Needed for FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER
Thanksgiving Day November 26, 2009 12pm -5pm
LePearl Ballroom | 7929 Central Ave | Capitol Heights,
MD 20743
Grass roots organization says..."the economy has really struck hard in our communities and we have
received an overwhelming number of phone calls for this "FREE THANKSGIVING DINNER". We received more RSVP's than we expected
and your help is needed to make sure that everyone that comes to LePearl Ballroom on Thanksgiving Day has a meal.
We currently have at least 700 RSVP'd for this event and we are sure we will have walk-ins as well.
If you are interested in donating uncooked foods please give call ASAP or drop items off on Wednesday
evening or Thursday morning at LePearl Ballroom."
Contact Valencia Davis (Valuable Blessings) 301-917-5391,
LePearl Ballroom - 301-333-8500,
Sabrina Wiggins (Hip Hop Education) 240-460-2571,
Wessita McKinley (Sistas United) 240-423-0958,
Thanksgiving Day November 26, 2009 12pm -5pm
LePearl Ballroom | 7929 Central Ave | Capitol Heights,
MD 20743
