Serving Up Kindness: How Volunteers Make Thanksgiving Warm for All

Thanksgiving in Sacramento took on a whole new meaning this year, thanks to the dedicated volunteers from Seva Self-Service and Khalsa Aid. For over 13 years, Jetender Johal and his crew have made it their mission to ensure that those in need feel the warmth of community spirit, rain or shine. This year was no exception, as more than 200 people braved the chill, eager to receive hot meals, warm blankets, and hygiene kits.

The excitement was palpable as the Thanksgiving drive kicked off at 11 a.m. at the corner of Ahern St. and North B St. Recipients were quick to express their gratitude, revealing that many in line, including those recently employed like one Amazon worker, are struggling to make ends meet. Herman Singh from Khalsa Aid emphasized how this commitment to giving back stemmed from lessons in volunteering he learned as a child.

It’s this blend of hard work, compassion, and community that drew people together on Thanksgiving. Johal pointed out the growing need for such initiatives, especially since the events of 2020. The warmth of kindness and generosity reminded everyone that Thanksgiving isn’t solely about food; it’s about the connections we create and the smiles we share. If only more days could be filled with the same spirit of giving, right?