Giving Thanks
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 9:37 PM 
Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images
The Os got a headstart on Thanksgiving today, handing out food at the Martha's Table food pantry in Washington, DC. Many will recognize Mrs. O's turquoise top and vest; they are piece by Rick Owens, first worn in Paris this summer.
Today the first lady also released her Thanksgiving greeting, which we'll share below:
Tomorrow, many of us will gather around the table with family and friends to give thanks over a feast of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy -- and let’s not forget pumpkin pie!
But for some in this country, the feast will not be as bountiful. In fact, it won’t be much of a feast at all. Hunger is on the rise in America -- hitting its highest levels in nearly 15 years. A recent report released by the USDA reveals that in 2008 an estimated 1.1 million children were living in households that experienced hunger multiple times over the past year.
To combat hunger this winter, we’re launching, in coordination with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United We Serve: Feed a Neighbor
Barack and I are committed to doing all we can to end hunger by making food programs more accessible to eligible families. But government can only do so much -- it will take all of us working together to put an end to hunger in America. initiative -- a program that empowers you with all the resources you need to mobilize against the hunger crisis in your community. Learn how you can get started today:
That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to get involved at Serve.gov. Find local volunteer opportunities like delivering meals to homebound seniors, offering your professional skills at a food pantry, or planting a community garden and sharing produce with your neighbors. You can also create your own volunteer opportunity using our anti-hunger toolkit.
This holiday season let’s recommit to serving our communities and working together to feed American families. Get started giving back today.
Thank you,
Michelle
First Lady Michelle Obama
The White House
Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We appreciate everyone who makes this blog such a delight.
Rick Owens
Reader Comments (37)
First Lady O's updo is tres jolie!
I love the message! Just think what would happen if every reader of this blog helped one other family; either through their Church, their neighborhood or their school.
This is something we can all do.......
30,000 visits today!
MRS O LOOKED A LITTLE TRIED BUT SHE HAD A PARTY LAST NIGHT HER OUTFIT SHE WEAR BEFORE IT WAS IN PRISE THAT SHE WEAR IT I SAW THE PICES. HER HAIR STILL LOOKED NICE SHE PUT IT IN A HALF BUN. THERE KIDS ARE GROWING SO BIG.
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaah Mrs. T Congratulations!
I love Michelle top looks great...
Hi everyone. Can someone find a link to Jill Biden's dress from last night? Would love to see it.
Thanks. You guys rock. Shelly
Wow, what a First Family this is! When I didn't see our FLOTUS earlier today at the Turkey Pardon I thought she was taking a much needed rest today...WRONG ! She just re-grouped and got right back into official duties (and looking kinda cute too). I hope they enjoy their first Thanksgiving in the White House.
Oh, by the way, Congrats to Mrs. T...job well done!!!
Echoing Charlene to say wonderful job Ms T and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 30,000 visitors today? That's a lot of help if we ALL did something to help a neighbour.
Mrs O looks tres chic for today's volunteering. Wonderful colours (I just love that smokey blue/grey)and it's so so great that they have the girls with them while being of service. What a learning curve for any young person. To have a mother who can make an impact with a message like that is an incredible thing.
Which reminds me, I am still waiting for my volunteer placement. What happend to that?
And WHEN am I going to see GORDON BROWN working in a soup kitchen for an afternoon and actually contributing to the welfare of some Londoner's, hmmm????
Oh well, time to find more pictures of Mrs O's glorious up do .....
Well said, Posh. All of that British charity work died when Princess Diana sadly left us. The Queen never comes out of her palace for the poor, neither does our government and its a shame. Our late Queen mother used to visit bombed out victims of the London Blitz during the war but she often turned up, dripping in fur and diamonds.
Just look at the Obama's, they look like they are dressed and ready to "make a difference" this Thanksgiving.
Anyone who can find fault with Michelle needs to get themselves a life. She is right, we can all do a little something. My late mother worked at a hospital for pensioners and every Boxing Day, she brought one of these people home for dinner. They never wanted to come for Christmas, often saying that that day was for family. Even now, I often visit hospices during the holidays to remember those less fortunate than myself.
Peace and Love to the Obama's and my fellow Mrs O bloggers, have yourselves a splendid Thanksgiving holiday.
Aaaaawww bless, Mummy Robinson is voluntering as well.
A GRATEFUL ATTITUDE
It warms my heart to know that serving is a tradition that the Obama's have started and are bent on continuing. Remember last year, after the elections when they were in Chicago, out in the cold all bundled up, tired from all that campaigning yet still taking the time to serve? This is not just a great example for the girls, but for all of us who think we don't have the money or the time. Just think, someone else's life might depend on me.
Mrs. Obama is a true gem, and her warmth and gratitude are very tangible in her message.
A woman's woman...
Have a great day all. And a special one to you Mrs.T.
Congrats!
Anyone know why FLOTUS always wears her hair up? Perhaps it is easier to deal with. Less processing?
Great work Mrs. T. and Thanksgiving to all.
I am so struck by the look on Sasha's face. She's a little girl, but she has the wisdom of the ages -- calm and thoughtful. You can see her at 17 or 37 or 57.
Happy Thanksgving Mrs. T. Thanks again. Also,
Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow bloggers. Nice down-to-earth family picture.
Little Sasha is "little Michelle" IMO. Best
Congratulations Mrs T. and a very happy and safe thanksgiving to fellow Mrs Oer's.
Beautiful message and here's hoping we can all join our spectacular President and First lady in being the change we've all been waiting for...
They are truly a family to be emulated and I couldn't be prouder-
Mrs Obama looked absolutely divine at the State Dinner and is as beautiful even at this low key event-
30,000 hits equals big money for you, so congrats.
Better late than never, Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
Congrats on you 30,000 hits! Your website is my crack!! Thanks for giving fans of Michelle a great place to celebrate and discuss her fashion choices.
Good Words.
Great message from the First Lady :)
MS T I HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAD A HAPPY THANKGIVING THAK YOU FOR ALL YOUR GREAT WORK.
@Hattie - Sasha kinds looks like Grandma...so sweet.
more pictures
Thanx for the pics Jazz. I love the first family and love that they enjoy helping others. The whole fam looked great and I have to give a special shout out to Malia because I liked her cool and casual look.
There's no greater example to show, than showing charity to others in the giving of your time, and your sincerity of heart.
We have a special blessing with this First Family.
I love this site, it's so positive. Thanks to All, hope your Holidays are filled with love and peace.
Just saw Mrs. O on the livestream accepting the Christmas tree. Mrs. O had on a red sweater and shirt with a big red and green bow and a red belt. I thought it was cute, but I am predicting a firestorm a'coming about this one.
No pics yet. Will post when I find one.
Ok, so this is the best pic I could find for right now. I'm sure Mrs. T will find a better one.
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Malia-and-Sasha-Obama/ss/events/pl/011609obamagirls
There are more pics on yahoo.
Thanks for posting the pics, Nyon. I like the look. That tartan blouse is very Christmasey. Harrods Food Halls in London is ALWAYS decked out in tartan at Christmas time and I also like the colour of the cardigan. I can't really see the belt though. The girls look excited and happy. It's nice to see them stepping out of their front door in regular clothes rather than dressed up for a specific occassion. It really brings home the fact that they REALLY live in such a beautiful house.
I could merrily look at pictures of the Obama family all day.
Mrs O looked very festive this morning with her plaid shirt and big bow. I notice she is doing a lot of up-sweep hairdos these days. It does look lovely on her.
more pics of the Christmas tree arrival from getty
Hi ae, I don't know for sure why she is wearing her hair up as of late, but it sure looks great with her Nefertiti like cheekbones :).
Thanks for the pics Jazz!
Huffington post has a slideshow up of Michelle, etc. of the X-mas tree's arrival
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/27/white-house-christmas-tre_n_372364.html
And Yahoo News Photos has a bunch up now too
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Michelle-Obama/ss/events/pl/050108michelleobama;_ylt=AqMEc21_jPSvGXNEURbArMkKO7gF#photoViewer=/091127/480/09f49a992b654d83a1562531937e3e76
And DayLIfe
http://www.daylife.com/search?q=michelle+obama
And HERE'S THE VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9oloKoxiNo
I can't stop gushing over my scrumptious but down to earth and smart First Family. I am inspired and plan to do better charity wise.
Good going Mrs T!
Love the beautiful bracelets. Mrs. O. must have quite a collection by now. I wonder if she lets her girls borrow them?
http://bit.ly/4ZjDMZ