GULF COAST, Miss. (WLOX) – Several groups along the coast are embracing the Christmas spirit by giving back to those in need.
Feed the Needy is one of those groups keeping a 35-year-long tradition alive.
Starting at 7 am on Christmas Day, volunteers from the community and Workforce Inmates from Harrison County gathered food and prepared meals to take to cities along the Coast.
“It’s a blessing that we can provide a meal for somebody that’s not going to have a hot meal…” said retired Harrison County Sheriff’s Department captain Jimmy Johnson. “…Kids, grown-ups, everybody comes out here and helps and wants to help and serve somebody that’s in need. That’s the real blessing”
The hundreds of volunteers packed 1,500 meals with turkey, dressing, and a good ol’ slice of pie.
Among those volunteers was possibly the youngest in the room Jervon Smith, who said Christmas time is very special.
“Well, it’s mostly the best time of the year. As you know, it’s in the song ‘It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year’, and I like to come feed the needy.”
Feed the Needy wasn’t the only group in the giving spirit.
Over at Back Bay, their second annual Christmas Brunch provided over 100 meals to the unsheltered and anyone who was hungry.
The meal was sponsored by Golden Nugget. Several groups of local volunteers also donated their time to lend a hand — a sight that Director of Client Services Jonathan Briggs said takes him back to when he was younger.
“For me, I started out in high school actually going on Thanksgiving day and Christmas Day to do just what we’re doing today,” Briggs recalled. “So it means so much for me to be here and to be helping folks that need some support and be with our friends and our volunteers. It’s become a tradition for me so I’m really enjoying being here.”
Director of Development Dhiana Skrmetti said it’s a joy being able to do this, especially on a day when they are normally closed.
“I think Denzel Washington said it best when he said giving is the most selfish thing you can do because it really fills up your cup just as much as it does others, and that to me is the blessing,” Skrmetti said. “And being here today and getting to see this and making my children to be part of it as well. It’s just such a blessing to be here.”
Briggs says they are hopeful about going into the New Year, with their partners like Open Door Coalition, to improve the unsheltered numbers and situations.
Videography: Ja’Colbi Rivers
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