An IISTL Thanksgiving

By Marisa Tesoro

The International Institute hosted a First Thanksgiving Community event on Saturday, November 17 ahead of Thanksgiving. And it’s safe to say it was hit with more than 400 meals distributed to volunteers, staff, clients, and neighbors.  

Just one year ago, their gym was packed to the brim with donations for Afghan evacuees. Shelves of laundry detergent, toothpaste and toothbrushes, toiletries, plates, cups, silverware, mattresses, towels and bed linens, toys, school supplies and any and all household items the community saw fit to donate filled each corner and covered every wall of this sprawling space. Now, many of the recipients of those donations had the chance to receive a different kind of support: a warm embrace from the community.  

Families of new arrivals and residents gathered to get to know one another in the best way—around the table over food. Buffet lines and heaping plates filled with Thanksgiving classics like green bean casserole, rolls, cranberry sauce and, of course, turkey awaited hungry patrons. Guests quickly found seats at tables the length of the gym, decorated with festive tablecloths and flower arrangements. Orange and pink lights illuminated the walls, casting a warm, inviting glow on the party unfolding within. As music played, children ran around under the glow of the inflatable globe. A magician dazzled the audience with his mesmerizing tricks and had the whole crowd laughing at his antics.  

How much difference a year can make, in the life of a refugee, in a new home. How much difference a supportive, welcoming community can make.