A Thanksgiving Message from Mayor Shapiro

The world moves fast. The news cycle is endless, often upsetting and frequently exhausting. Our days fly by without us knowing where they went and our kids grow up so quickly before our eyes. We find ourselves constantly trying to meet deadlines for work, family or other obligations. 

But at this moment, at this time of celebration, let’s take a pause, a deep breath and be thankful for one another. For many of us, the Deerfield community is special because of the connections we share, the care we give and the unwavering support we provide to one another. 

As we pause to reflect during this season of gratitude, I am reminded of how fortunate we are to live in area where we value inclusion and a commitment to lifting each other up, rather than tearing each other down and where we celebrate our achievements and courageously face our challenges. We are thankful for the friendships that strengthen us, the neighbors who inspire us and the shared sense of purpose that binds us together. 

But gratitude must also call us to action. We are defined by the choices we make in life, and it is often the case that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more. Our gratitude is the foundation of our commitment to helping others, ensuring that every individual feels valued, supported and seen. So, as we take this moment to give thanks, we must not forget those among us who are carrying heavy burdens – those facing economic hardships, struggling with mental health or seeking acceptance and understanding. 

Just this past weekend, I joined hundreds of volunteers again at the North Suburban Evangelical Free Church’s annual Project Share food drive. More than 300 volunteers filled 1400 clothes baskets with everything needed for a Thanksgiving dinner, enough to feed over 4,000 people in need this holiday season.

Our communities thrive when we embody the belief that everyone has value, and we realize that each person is somebody’s son or daughter. With everything we cherish and with all that we are grateful for, it is our sense of community, compassion and support that allows us to keep an eye on our north star. Together, we must pay it forward as we build a better future for our kids, our grandkids and our neighbors. In doing so, our pause to reflect will make us feel that our world has slowed down just a bit, allowing us to see each other more clearly. 

Let us continue to live with compassion, to celebrate what makes us unique and to stand together in gratitude for the extraordinary gift we have in each other.

On behalf of the Village of Deerfield, I wish each of you a happy Thanksgiving and wonderful holiday season.