[verbatim] Jackson, MS. November 27, 2008 The Salvation Army and close to a hundred volunteers are expected to serve over 1,200 meals both at the Center of Hope, 110 Presto Lane from 12 p.m.-1 p.m., and by delivery to the elderly around Jackson. Over the past 20 years, The Salvation Army has provided a warm hearty meal on Thanksgiving Day, which now has become a traditional event. Last year over 1000 meals were served with the help of 90 volunteers.
Volunteers will assist in cooking, serving and delivering meals during Thanksgiving. Among the volunteers providing their time and effort are first-timers as well as those who return year after year to help make this a joyous day for the less fortunate and individuals that are not able to spend Thanksgiving with their family. Preparations have already started with the smoking of the turkeys this week here at The Salvation Army, along with the preparation of the famous sweet potatoes by the “Sweet Potato Ladies”, Colleen & Aimee Smith who have prepared delicious sweet potatoes with marshmallows over the past 12 years.
The community outpouring of support has been wonderful this year; along with the help of an advisory board member purchasing 50 turkeys, members of the Women’s Auxiliary who came to help cook meals and many other dedicated volunteers who just wanted to pitch in. Others have donated cash gifts to help provide the rest of the foods.
With countless hours spent to prepare for Thanksgiving, The Salvation Army knows that it will be a blessing to the hungry.
For more information on this event or volunteering with The Salvation Army, contact us at 982-4881.
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The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information please visit http://salvationarmyjackson.org.
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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.
