As the Thanksgiving season approaches, we at the Sertoma International home office find ourselves reflecting on the many reasons we have to be thankful. Each day, we are reminded of the incredible people who make our mission possible — from our dedicated members to our passionate leadership to the generous donors, community partners, and families we have the privilege of helping serve. We are also grateful for one another and the small but mighty team that we have built at HQ.

This time of year offers a special opportunity to pause and appreciate the collective efforts that allow us to make a difference in the lives of others. It’s a moment to celebrate the spirit of service, kindness and connection that defines the Sertoma community.

Here are some of the things our staff is thankful for this year…

How has being part of Sertoma impacted you in 2025?

• “My job is to essentially help people help other people. What is better than that?!? My position affords me the incredible opportunity to get to help tell the stories of Service to Mankind throughout all of our clubs, and I continue to be inspired by the impact your work has in communities all over the U.S. and Canada.” –Brandi McGrath Kong, Director of Communications & Conferences
• “It makes my heart happy to see all that our Sertomans do to serve our communities and make life better for so many.”  –Connie Sloan, Membership Assistant
• “Being part of Sertoma this year has allowed me to see the growing impact of our organization through programs such as the Club Grant and Amplified Hearing getting more into the communities we serve.” –Amy Ellington, Director of Finance

What’s something Sertoma has done this year to make you proud?

• ““We hit the mark of serving 1,000 clients through the Hearing Aid Project.  That is 1,000 people whose lives have been changed because of what we do!” –Brian Riegel, Hearing Aid Project Director

• Back in the spring, the Board began the process of a strategic plan, something Sertoma hasn’t had in many years. It’s a long process and I look forward to seeing where it takes us in the future.” - Jason Camis, Executive Director

• “I am excited to see the Hearing Aid Project continue to grow through increased donations and more applicants, allowing us to better serve those in need.” –Kimberly McGinnis, Finance Assistant

What’s one small thing you’re grateful for every day that might go unnoticed? 

•  “Internet-based video/phone calling.  I have family that lives all over the world, and these services let us talk anytime without huge fees.” –Amy
• “I am very grateful for the love of my family and the support of my co-workers.” –Connie
• “Staff member Amy Ellington. She’s a workhorse in the office and has a wealth of knowledge about finance, taxes, operations, and even technology (though she’d likely disagree on that last one). Her role, along with Kim, is largely behind the scenes, but something has to be said for their combined 50+ years of service to Sertoma.” –Jason
• “I am grateful for my sense of humor. Even when life throws its curveballs, I manage to find laughter where others might find only tears.” –Kimberly

We also wanted to share some of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions…

What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food?

• “Homemade noodles.” –Amy
• “Deep fried Turkey and homemade cranberry sauce.” –Connie
• “My mom’s Gluten-Free Double Layer Pumpkin Pie. A celiac’s best friend!” –Brandi
• “My mother’s homemade cornbread dressing.” –Brian

What is a fun Thanksgiving tradition you have with your family?

• “Every year at Thanksgiving, we encourage our family members to invite friends who may not have a place to celebrate. It always makes for a new mix of people, and sometimes a great new side dish to try.” –Brian
• “We’re not really a tradition family. We typically try to either deliver meals for charity or participate in a Turkey Trot. This year, we’ll be doing the latter in Fort Myers, FL, while we’re visiting family.” –Jason
• “We always play a ton of games after our late lunch. We buy little prizes throughout the year, and it gets quite competitive (all in fun) for the silliest of things like a Yodeling Pickle or cardboard piggy bank full of Tootsie Rolls.” –Brandi

As we gather around our tables and reflect on the year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who continues to support and believe in our mission. Your commitment and compassion inspire us daily — and we couldn’t do this meaningful work without you…

• “Honestly, I’m just honored to be working for an organization that has impact in so many different ways. I love waking up each day and going to bed every night knowing that it’s likely a Sertoman made a difference in someone’s life that day.” –Jason
• “On a personal level, so many of you reach out to check on us about the things going on in our personal lives. Your care for staff goes beyond the day-to-day of Sertoma, and that kind of genuine support is all too rare.” –Brandi
• “In this time when so many people are talking about loneliness in our communities, spread the joy of teaming up and helping others by talking about how it makes you feel to your friends and family. Please encourage them to volunteer to feel and spread that joy.”  –Brian
• “I would like to wish every member in Sertomaland a season full of joy, laughter and special times with your loved ones.” –Kimberly

From all of us at Sertoma: thank you for being part of our family. We wish you a joyful, peaceful, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving season. And as Jason noted, “Make sure you watch the first two NFL games of the day, and you’ll get to see this year’s two Super Bowl teams (Lions and Chiefs, which of course [both] will win – Writer/Editor Brandi corrected his note to make sure that it said both teams would win, not just the Lions!). And have an extra piece of pie, just because you can!”