Calhoun-Yalobusha Outreach members Sheridan Crowley (left), Ella Ezell (center) and Ella Stovall are preparing for the organization’s 18th annual Christmas Bingo and Feeding the Elderly program Dec. 18 at the Bruce Museum.
BRUCE – An organization that has spent nearly two decades helping people in need is preparing for its biggest event of the year, a Christmas celebration that organizers hope will provide meals, gifts and fellowship for more than 1,000 senior citizens.
Calhoun-Yalobusha Outreach will hold its 18th annual Christmas Bingo and Feeding the Elderly program Friday, Dec. 18, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Bruce Forestry Museum, 109 Public Square in Bruce. The event is free and open to anyone age 62 or older, regardless of where they live or whether they belong to a church.
Ella Stovall, one of the organization’s founders, said the goal is to provide more than a Christmas dinner. She wants senior citizens to enjoy fellowship, entertainment and the knowledge that someone cares about them.
“A lot of people don’t take up time with the elderly,” Stovall said.
The celebration will include a traditional Christmas meal, bingo games, gifts and bags of fruit. Organizers also plan to deliver meals to senior citizens unable to attend.
Stovall said the organization has served residents from Water Valley, Coffeeville, Grenada, Oxford, Tupelo and even Memphis. Although held in Bruce, the program is intended to serve the entire region, including Yalobusha County.
“We want everybody to see that we’ve been blessed, and we want to bless our elderly,” she said.
The menu will include fried and baked chicken, chicken and dressing, vegetables, homemade cakes, banana pudding and beverages. Bingo winners will select gifts donated by individuals, churches and businesses. This year, families may also donate gift baskets, flowers or other prizes in memory of deceased loved ones.
Stovall emphasized that the games are intended for entertainment and fellowship, with no gambling involved. Gifts will also be provided to those receiving takeout meals.
Eighteen years of service
Calhoun-Yalobusha Outreach began 18 years ago when Stovall and several others established an independent organization dedicated to helping people in need.
Stovall said the group grew out of earlier community assistance efforts associated with the NAACP. Organizers wanted an outreach program that would be understood as welcoming everyone.
Over the years, the organization has helped residents obtain medicine, provided transportation to medical appointments, organized benefits for people facing serious illnesses and assisted families with housing and household needs.
Members have also cleaned homes, delivered food and visited people needing encouragement or prayer.
The ministry has relied heavily on churches, pastors, businesses and volunteers.
One of its strongest supporters in Yalobusha County was the late Pastor Sammy Towns, who provided financial assistance, vehicles for meal deliveries and other support.”
“He never turned us down for nothing,” she said. “And if, for some reason or another, we couldn’t do it, he had our back.”
His involvement helped establish lasting connections with churches throughout Yalobusha County.
Stovall hopes more pastors will become involved this year, whether by contributing financially, helping prepare meals or bringing church members to volunteer.
Volunteers needed
The organization is seeking approximately 20 volunteers to help prepare and serve food, package takeout plates, distribute desserts and beverages and assist senior citizens during bingo.
Sheridan Crowley, a Bruce native and military veteran, is in his second year with the organization and helps coordinate communications, transportation and other arrangements.
Ella Ezell, a founding member who serves as secretary and treasurer, has remained involved throughout the organization’s 18 years.
Both emphasized the considerable preparation and community support required to make the annual celebration possible.
Stovall said businesses throughout the region have been generous in past years, donating food, water, fruit, gifts and financial assistance.
The organization is again seeking contributions from churches, businesses and individuals. Donations may include inexpensive gifts, household supplies, clothing accessories, prepared food or money. Organizers hope to receive donations by early December to allow time to purchase supplies and prepare for the event.
Churches and other groups bringing senior citizens are encouraged to contact organizers in advance with an estimated number attending. Churches willing to pick up meals for homebound seniors are also welcome.
Stovall stressed that no donation is required to attend or receive a meal.
She hopes more Yalobusha County residents will become involved, whether by volunteering, donating or encouraging an elderly neighbor to attend.
For those attending, Stovall said, the only requirement is a willingness to enjoy themselves.
“It’s not costing you nothing but your time to come and sit down and have a good time,” she said.
Those interested in volunteering, donating or arranging transportation for a group may contact Calhoun-Yalobusha Outreach at 662-800-5929 or through Ella Stovall’s Facebook page.
