It's so easy to lose sight of the reasons the first Thanksgiving was celebrated. Thanksgiving as we know it has turned into a bustle of travel, turkey, elastic waistbands, full houses, football and anticipation of Black Friday.

When it began, the reason for a Thanksgiving gathering was simple – to give thanks for what we have. For most of us, it's hard to imagine not going over to crazy Aunt Lucille's house to see the family; kids in tow and a turkey in the trunk. The thought of spending the holiday alone simply does not cross our minds, but it's a reality for many here in the area. That's where Meals on Wheels comes in.

Meals on Wheels has been at the forefront of the senior nutrition cause for 50 years. Its founders recognized the need to care for seniors, as many are alone and financially strained. Many of the senior clients have spent their lives caring for their children, grandchildren and family members. Over the years, circumstances change and these aging residents find themselves in assisted living facilities or in a house by themselves. Meals on Wheels volunteers not only supply nutrition of the body, but of the heart as well. Gratitude for the meal is always apparent but gratitude for the company, however brief, is palpable, especially during this holiday season.

If a senior client is unable to be with family for Thanksgiving, or does not have any family, Meals on Wheels strives to ensure the holiday is still special. Individual meals packed with everything found in a traditional Thanksgiving feast are delivered on Thanksgiving Day. Clients get to enjoy turkey, all the trimmings and even pumpkin pie for dessert! Schools contribute holiday cheer as well, coloring festive turkeys and making special napkin rings to go along with the deliveries. Volunteers are so dedicated that some had to be turned away to help on Thanksgiving, since the roster was already filled.

Program Supervisor Terry Lehr couldn't be more proud of the volunteers she oversees. "I have been working in volunteer-based programs for more than 25 years and I can tell you that we have some of the best volunteers around," she said. "They have such commitment and compassion for our clients. On average, a volunteer working with an organization consistently for three years is considered good. We have some that have been with us for 25-30 years and three are coming up on their 33-year mark!"

That track record alone speaks volumes for the Meals on Wheels mission and the importance of what the volunteers do. Clients are appreciative of the service of course, but volunteers get to enjoy the feeling of fulfillment each time a meal is dropped off.

Meals on Wheels driver, Nancy Hutchins, has been involved with the organization for almost 10 years. She was introduced by a friend who has since passed away, but she continues to volunteer regularly even after a hip replacement. "I'm thankful to have good enough health to be able to go and help someone in need, even if my health isn't perfect," she said. "It always makes you feel good when you can help someone else."

Volunteer drivers and visitors are needed in the Bay Ridge area of Annapolis, as well as other locations in the county. For more information on volunteering or donations, please visit www.mealsonwheelsmd.org or call 410-626-7543.

When you sit down with your family today, take a moment to be thankful for them. When you see an elderly neighbor, consider paying them a visit or at least give a smile. Little gestures mean so much in this day and age and can make all the difference, especially if that neighbor doesn't have a family of their own.