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Hi. This is State Representative Terry Brown, with my weekly update, "Talking With Terry."

Each year, Thanksgiving provides us with a wonderful opportunity to give thanks for all we have. 

Many of us are blessed to have a job that provides a decent living, a house to come home to each night, enough food to eat, clothes to keep us warm, and transportation to get to where we need to go. Now more than ever, we should give thanks every day to be so fortunate. Others among us are struggling. This terrible economy has caught up with many of our neighbors, our friends, our co-workers. Some have lost their jobs or even their homes, some must send their children out in the cold without the proper clothing, some go to bed hungry at night. Now more than ever, it is important that we respond to our fellow community members without judgment, and with compassion.

1 John 3:18 says, Let us love not in word or speech, but in truth and action. Each of us can do that in our own way. Perhaps you are able to give items to a food drive at your school or church or even start a drive yourself. Maybe you can donate money to one of our food pantries, which are struggling to meet the rising need or donate clothes or coats for others to use.

And to you successful hunters, congratulations. If you wish to donate any portion of your bounty this season, there are local processors who will make sure the meat gets to needy families. Find out more at Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger's Web site, which is sportsmenagainsthunger.org, or Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry, which is online at fhfh.org.

Giving back takes many forms. Our schools need volunteers, our kids need mentors, overwhelmed parents need a break, lonely seniors would love to have visitors. So whatever time, money or skills you can offer, do it now. Giving back will help our community – and in this time of uncertainty, it will help you feel connected, as well. Anyone who wants to volunteer or donate can find out more at thumbresources.org. If you or someone you know needs assistance, this Web site is a great place to start as well.

Please allow your community to stand by you during these tough times, just as you would do for anyone else in need.

Together, we will make it through.

And as your voice at the State Capitol, I am doing all I can to speed up Michigan's recovery and make our communities strong again. Please feel free to call me, toll-free, at (888) 254-5284. Or, you can e-mail me at terrybrown@house.mi.gov. Make it a great day and, might I add my wish for a Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones!