To the editor:

Recently, I viewed a report of a young mother who relocated to Paradise, Calif., from Florida with her four young children for a fresh start, because they had lost everything as a result of Hurricane Michael.

This is one of the many stories of the devastating losses and hardship that folks suffer that touch my mind and heart. I am often filled with the spirit of Thanksgiving, as I am sure we all are. The same hurricane that forced many to relocate and change their lives passed over Suffolk and caused little damage — one of many reasons to be thankful.

Now, our neighbors on the West Coast are being impacted in ways that are unimaginable. My husband and I plan to make a donation to share a small portion of the bounty in our lives. We encourage our neighbors, if they are able, to do likewise.

This year, much money was spent on purchasing lottery tickets, and more money will be spent on holiday purchases. I can only imagine what those amounts of money could do for those in need or are survivors of these devastating hurricanes and fires.

This is a teachable moment, a time that we can shine a light on what Thanksgiving really means and loving thy neighbor. Happy Thanksgiving!

Lucretia Johnson

Suffolk