Most people reading this will have two things in common on November 26th at 8:00 AM:

1) They are going to have the day off.

2) They are going to be hanging around with their families thinking about food (and possibly football).

Just like most people in this country, at Convina we get really excited about Thanksgiving. It's like the kick-off to the Holidays. It's a time for us to be with family and think about the things that are most important to us. While we treasure the opportunity to spend time with loved-ones on Thanksgiving, we're also thinking about people who are in serious need of the necessities of life.

Across Utah there are thousands of families with children that are at risk of skipping a meal due to lack of resources. Utah Food Bank is a non-profit organization that very effectively helps to meet the immediate basic needs of people in our community who don’t know where else to turn.

So this year... in addition to the turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce-- we're challenging ourselves to add something extra to our Thanksgiving Day plates:

Participate in the Utah Human Race 2009

It's probably easier than you think to get involved. Here are some ways you can help:

• Race
  Register online and participate in the event. It's a 5K Fun Run/Walk so ANYONE and EVERYONE can do this! Even if you just walk with your family it will only take an hour for the whole event. Don't forget to bring some non-perishables to the event. Every little bit helps!
• Donate
  If you can't race or you'd prefer not to, you can still get involved. Register online as a "virtual runner" and make a donation. Utah Food Bank can take $1 in donations and turn it into $5 worth of food and services!
• Spread the Word!
  Get everyone you know involved. Post a link to the event on your FaceBook. Send an email to local friends and family. Print a flyer and post it where you work or at your local grocery store.

Most of us have the time and the resources to get involved for those people who are in need. It just takes a little effort and dedication. So however you can-- we encourage you to help.

If you don't live near Salt Lake City, there are surely people in your area who are in need of assistance. Chances are there are similar organizations in your community that you can get involved with to help alleviate hunger. Make the effort to find out what you can do with a few minutes your time off to help someone in need.