On Saturday, the Natchez Rotary Club, the Natchez Brewing Company and Delta Bank invite the community to welcome Erik Elsea to Natchez.

Elsea, who is the president of the Cape Coral, Florida, Rotary Club, is canoeing the length of the Mississippi River with a goal; to raise $100 per mile, or $255,200, for ShelterBox, a unique charity with a unique purpose.

ShelterBox hand delivers, to families devastated by natural disasters or conflict, the supplies necessary to protect them from Mother Nature while they begin to rebuild their lives.

In the sturdy green box hand delivered to the victims, they will find a family sized tent to protect them from the weather; cooking utensils to feed their families, and any and all necessities they may need in their singular situation. A cutting-edge charity such as ShelterBox deserves the support of our community, as does their ambassador, Elsea.

Please visit Elsea at the Natchez Brewing Company beginning 1 p.m. Saturday at 207 High Street.

A bounce house will be available for the kids, and televised football so you can watch your favorite team. Jambalaya plates may be purchased for $15, to support ShelterBox. Beginning at 4 p.m., there will be live music, and of course, adult beverages available from Natchez Brewing Company.

Delta Bank, your Natchez Rotary Club, and Natchez Brewing Company hope you will come meet Elsea and have some fun, some food and support ShelterBox. Let’s show Elsea that his time and efforts are well spent.

Shannon Parker is president of the Rotary Club of Natchez.