Each year, the Night of Thankfulness is a special time for youth and young adults to gather, share a Thanksgiving meal, play games, and reflect on gratitude. This year was no different. The community rallied together to transform the cafes into festive spaces (one location even had turkeys made of butter) and provide a delicious dinner for the 172 youth and young adults who gathered to celebrate. Some of the young adults even brought their babies and children, providing an extra dose of joy and delight to the evening. Everyone was smiling and laughing as dinner was passed around. The company was welcoming and kind. One youth shared that “it was a very calm, peaceful setting. I loved how welcoming everyone was… the food was fantastic.” A favorite annual game of “Turkey Hunt,” where chocolate turkeys are hidden around the café, was played. Door prizes were raffled off, including a karaoke machine, and the crowd participated in a Thanksgiving version of “Would you Rather.” During a special time of reflection, youth, staff, and volunteers shared with their table what they were grateful for. Many youth expressed thankfulness for their family members, recent accomplishments, and The Coffee Oasis. One staff member reflected on the practice of thankfulness as an antidote for anxiety. The youth seemed to relate to what was shared and participated in a time of follow-up questions.

Thank you to all who made the 2023 Night of Thankfulness a wonderful night and provided a delicious Thanksgiving dinner!

A special thanks to: That One Place, Grace Bible Church, the Poulsbo Rotary, Cake 4 Kids, the Republican Women’s Group, Silverdale United Methodist Church, Jett, Walmart, Crossroads Neighborhood Church, The McCauslands, and the many who volunteered their time.

Written by: Caryn Wright