As Thanksgiving Day quickly approaches, most of us across East Alabama count our blessings and are thankful for the good things in our lives.

And even in these tough economic times when families continue to struggle to make ends meet and Alabama’s unemployment rate looms near 10 percent, we all see neighbors helping neighbors and folks giving to those less fortunate.

Each year I try to highlight a few initiatives that are helping those in need. Following are a just a few.

In Anniston, a group called Elevation was started to reach out to the citizens of Anniston. This Christian-based organization started in 2009, and this summer they provided Bibles to over 800 homes.  Currently, they are collecting clothes, coats and blankets for their clothes drive.  To participate, drop off these items at 2700 Brighton Avenue in Anniston.  The items will be given away in Zinn Park in December.

Sadly, hunger remains a present and even growing tragedy among all too many of our fellow citizens. Also in Anniston, like so many other congregations, the Meals of Mercy program at The Bridge at First United Methodist Church feeds several hundred people a week.

At Auburn High School in Auburn, students have started the Committee of 25 because it costs 25 cents to provide a meal for a child.  This group of teenagers is raising money and food for children in Africa.

Since the tornadoes tore through Alabama in April, folks at First Baptist Church at Williams, again like so many congregations and charitable organizations in devastated areas, have worked to help rebuild homes for tornado victims in Calhoun County.

Folks are continuing to care for our homeless citizens. In Montgomery County, the Faith Crusade/Montgomery Rescue Mission provides housing for homeless men and women, hygiene products and canned goods.

In Tuskegee, Divine Inspirational Ministries provides shelter to homeless men and Veterans.  The facility provides GED training and job placement for those in need.

In Coosa County, a Thanksgiving and Christmas relief drive is held to collect clothing, canned goods and toiletries for families who need it most.

All of the good deeds happening every day across East Alabama could not be listed here, but this sampling of events shows that even in the worst of times, Alabamians look out for and take care of each other. I wish everyone a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Please feel free to contact me at www.mike-rogers.house.gov, become a fan on Facebook at Congressman Mike D. Rogers, follow me on Twitter at RepMikeRogersAL and subscribe to my YouTube page at MikeRogersAL03