LIVONIA, MICHIGAN, November 2011 (hometownlife.com): Monica Sebes and her son, Michael, 11, were among about 100 Livonia residents who enjoyed a free Thanksgiving dinner Wednesday at Leon’s Family Dining in Livonia. “It’s the generosity that touches me the most,” said Monica. “The generosity of people just takes my breath away.” The dinner was co-sponsored by Leon’s and the Hindu temple across the street, Sri Shirdi Saibaba. The families were invited by the Livonia Goodfellows.
This is the third year the temple and Leon’s have provided a hot Thanksgiving meal to Goodfellow families — complete with turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, salad, soup and pumpkin pie.
It was the temple’s idea. “We wanted to get associated with the community,” said Rajashekar Kaukuntla, temple president, adding that the temple opened in 2008. Their involvement grew from donating canned goods four years ago to the hot meals three years ago. Last year, the temple adopted two families for holiday gift giving through Goodfellows. This year, it will adopt five, said member Satheesh Mandalappa.
[HPI note: Anna dana, the giving of, is an ancient and generous tradition in Hinduism. Many temples in America would, by adopting such a practice, cultivate harmony and respect between them and the local community.]