In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his dedication to community and service, I am here today with 35 volunteers at Food & Friends, Washington, D.C., preparing, packing and helping to delivery 3,000 meals. Foods & Friends, an organization based in Northeast DC provides specialized, nutritious meals, groceries and nutrition counseling to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer and other life-challenging illnesses in the metro area.

During a book reading at Thurgood Marshall School, Washington, D.C., team members were asked if FedEx can help Santa. “What if a reindeer gets sick?” “What if Santa’s sleigh breaks down?” “Can Santa use FedEx trucks?” In every classroom, unknowingly the volunteers all said the same thing that FedEx will do whatever it takes and for them not to worry. Smile. Wink.

This is the second year volunteers have taken the time to read two books to each classroom, grades pre K – 4th. Each student was also given two books to take home. It was a lot of fun for all, especially since we have a bunch of “hams” in DC. Many were very animated while reading making a lot of the kids laugh. The students were also happy to know there is a backup plan for Santa.

For the eighth year, FedEx volunteers will team up with the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and Operation Blessing to sort and package 45,500 pounds of frozen turkey and 110,000 pounds of fresh and canned produce for distribution at Harvest Feast. This annual event at FedExField distributes frozen turkeys and groceries to help local families celebrate Thanksgiving.