Thanksgiving Meal Will Be Served Monday

WATER VALLEY — A free Thanksgiving hot meal will be served from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Nov. 24, at 600 Railroad Avenue in Water Valley. The event is sponsored by Vanessa Patterson Person and Monique Townes, who hope to feed between 300 and 500 people in Yalobusha County and surrounding areas.

Townes has served families at Thanksgiving for eight years and said this year’s effort comes from a deep place of gratitude.

“Every year I’ve been able to serve one family for Thanksgiving,” she said. “Last year unexpectedly I was the family needing to be served, and the beautiful Ms. Candace Fondren served my family to perfection. I’m forever grateful. My Daddy would always say, ‘It’s them today, but it could be you tomorrow.’ That statement resonates today.”

Townes said support from the community has poured in since the announcement.

“A catering company is doing the dressing and turkey. Another company is preparing sides. Another is doing green beans,” she said. “People started coming forward saying they wanted to help. This year we’re serving on a new level.”

She added that the goal is simple: “We want to ensure that those who won’t have a hot meal will have the opportunity to have one.”

Plates will be prepared and ready to pick up, and people do not need to stay and eat on site. Meals can also be taken to shut-ins or anyone who may need one.

“If you need it, come get it,” Townes said. “Your story could change tomorrow. We want our community to know we are here to serve.”