Last week, as we made lists, started shopping, and debated Thanksgiving sides, the children of Anna House took time out from their learning to give thanks: thanks to their families and to their teachers, thanks for their health and for what they have.

Thinking of the children who won’t be home to celebrate this week, they made Thanksgiving cards for the patients served by Ronald McDonald House of Long Island. In a few weeks, they will, thanks to the generosity of donors, have the opportunity to choose gifts for their parents and their siblings to put under the Christmas tree next month.

On Thanksgiving morning, Anna House on Belmont’s backstretch will open at 5 a.m., as usual. Holiday or no, the horses need to be fed and exercised and bathed; the track will be open, as usual, and so, too, will Anna House, because as usual, grooms, hotwalkers, and other barn staff will need a safe place to bring their children.

In the 13 years since Anna House opened its doors, the Belmont Child Care Association has provided affordable care and education for the children whose parents work on the backstretch. Originally open from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. for pre-kindergarten children, Anna House now serves children of all ages, all day long, offering after-school programs, tutoring for middle school students, and enrichment activities that stretch beyond the school day and through the summer.

At Anna House, the children learn math and science; they become bilingual; they garden and they learn about giving, especially during this holiday season.

We hope that you’ll choose Anna House on #GivingTuesday December 1, a day to step back after the excesses of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday to celebrate generosity and to give. Your tax-deductible donation will support the programs at Anna House and the staff that shows up on days and at hours when most of us are home, still asleep or relaxing with our families.

Join the children of Anna House and take an #unselfie next Tuesday. Tag it #GivingTuesday and @bcca (Twitter), @Belmont Child Care Association (Facebook), or @bccakids (Instagram) to show your support for the students and staff. The children will help get you started…

From all of us at Anna House, warmest wishes to you and yours for a wonderful Thanksgiving.